Lone Star College-CyFair is celebrating the opening of its new Center for Academic and Student Engagement (CASE) Building, Friday, Nov. 10, at 9191 Barker Cypress.
“Our new Center for Academic and Student Engagement building was built to accommodate our growing enrollment and to enhance the student’s overall educational experience here at LSC-CyFair,” said LSC-CyFair President Dr. Seelpa Keshvala.
Designed by the Houston office of Gensler, floor to ceiling glass windows envelope the building and draw energy indoors from the landscaping and reimagined campus quad. Anchoring the corner of the campus, the building creates a new beacon for student life in one collaborative, comfortable and central setting.
“The building suggests that the future of student centers is in maximizing integration – providing multi-use spaces that stretch across a spectrum of learning and social services. It creates a new hub for student life on campus that will increase connectivity and celebrates the way students collaborate today,” said Brantley Highfill, Project Architect, Gensler.
The new 75,000-square-foot, two-story CASE building houses a new faculty suite, dean’s suite, technology-infused classrooms, computer classrooms, 3 multipurpose classrooms and an open lab. In addition to instructional space, the building features student spaces that engage students outside the classroom, such as the Center for Student Life and the Veterans Affairs Center.
The Center for Student Life provides space for student clubs and organizations to hold meetings or campus events as well as opportunities for students to take a break from their studies, to hang out with friends, to relax and enjoy music, or play pool, video games and ping pong.
LSC-CyFair’s Veterans Affairs Center offers assistance to approximately 1,400 students who served in the Armed Forces as well as their families. Center staff helps veterans apply for educational benefits and shares information about campus and community resources.
The CASE construction project also includes a three-level, outdoor amphitheater for learning and 750 additional parking spaces.
Moreover, the CASE building features a sculpture in memoriam of Robert McGehee, art professor and founding faculty member, who lost his battle with cancer in April 2009. He was instrumental in the development of the art department’s vision and initiatives. McGehee’s family donated this untitled sculpture, which addresses the concept of health and healing and bears a soothing message of hope.
In addition to Dr. Keshvala, keynote speakers will include LSC Chancellor Dr. Stephen Head, LSC Board of Trustee Chairman Dr. Alton Smith, LSC-CyFair Student Government Association President Jennifer Gonzales, LSC-CyFair Faculty Senate President Rebecca Royer and Professional and Support Staff Association President Sarah Zapata.
Funding of the approximately $26.6 million construction project came from the $485 million bond referendum approved by voters in 2014.
Registration for LSC-CyFair’s winter mini-mester and spring semester classes begins Nov. 15. For information, go to LoneStar.edu/registration.