Hot Spot

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

CEAT students have been enjoying a new study, gathering and event space since November, when the renovated first-floor lobby of the Advanced Technology Research Center (ATRC) officially reopened as the Student Excellence Center. The center provides a central location for students to meet with academic advisers, study, interact with their peers in other academic disciplines and simply relax. 

“I am convinced that this center will not only physically change the face of our building but also transform the way our students learn, study and ultimately succeed,” says Paul Tikalsky, dean of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. “We designed this space based on what students told us was most important to them and how it could help them succeed. We listened to their ideas, and what you see today is the result of that process.”

The Student Excellence Center features an open-environment design that mirrors new work spaces in many technology corporations. It will offer nightly tutoring, career services, interview training, résumé-writing workshops and other programs to develop leadership and communication skills.

OSU President Burns Hargis says the center reflects OSU’s increased emphasis on undergraduate students with a strong background in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. 

“The Student Excellence Center is instrumental in helping our students grow these skills, whether it is through the mentoring, tutoring and advising services or simply through the innovative spaces for study and collaboration,” says Hargis. “I look forward to watching this become a hub of activity and inspiration. I am sure it will help us attract and retain the best and brightest STEM students for years to come.” 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was executed by a Rube Goldberg machine designed by a group of CEAT students. The mechanism used pulleys and levers triggered by a moving soccer ball that eventually turned on CEAT’s Baja cars, which rolled down ramps, opening the front entrance to the center. Students continued to be the focus at the event as CEAT Student Council President Cole Griffin welcomed attendees to the event before handing the presentation over to Dean Tikalsky.

Since opening, the center has been filled with students studying and gathering between classes. Finals week found the space packed to the brim with students preparing for exams and participating in free meals hosted by the college. 

Several named spaces were funded by lead donors, including the William L. Cain Academic Center, the ExxonMobil Boardroom, Sharon V’s Number Crunch Café and the Cal and Marilyn Vogt Networking Lounge, which was relocated and remodeled from the previous ATRC first-floor lobby.  

“None of this would be possible without the many alumni, donors and corporate partners who embraced this vision and made it a reality,” says Tikalsky. “We know that students will see these donor names and be inspired by their generosity.”

In addition to the named spaces in the indoor area, Phillips 66 is funding the Phillips 66 Student Plaza just outside the center. The plaza will be the site for future activities, tailgates, graduation ceremonies, research activities, student displays and other events. Construction is to be complete by the end of the fall 2015 semester. 

“We are thrilled to be a part of the new Student Excellence Center,” says Debbie Adams, senior vice president for Health, Safety and Environment in Projects and Procurement for Phillips 66. “The Phillips 66 Student Plaza will provide OSU’s CEAT students the opportunity to collaborate and foster a sense of teamwork, two very important tenants of the Phillips 66 culture.”