Grand Valley to dedicate new living center

The Grand Valley State University community will celebrate the dedication of the Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center Friday, August 26, at 2 p.m. on the Allendale Campus. 

The four-story, 135,000-square-foot building will accommodate approximately 500 students in 240 traditional-style bedroom units, and includes three classrooms, a computer lab and three faculty offices. It also includes a game room, outdoor recreational space, study spaces and laundry facilities. 

The dedication event will include remarks from Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas, President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers, Provost Gayle Davis and Student Senate President Ella Fritzemeier.

Andy Beachnau, associate vice provost for Student Affairs and director of Housing and Health Services, said the integration of learning and living contributes to overall student success. 

"Research has shown that students are more successful in school, are better prepared for a career, and are more well rounded when they are exposed to high-impact experiences. A learning and living center is one of those experiences," said Beachnau.

Colleen Bailey, associate director of Residence Education and Housing and Residence Life, said the new building was built based on the success of the university's first learning and living center. The Niemeyer Learning and Living Center was built in 2008 and houses the Frederik Meijer Honors College. 

"Students with the same interests and common goals live together and learn together in the same space, which contributes to their success," said Bailey.

The building will be a central academic hub for the north end of campus. Bailey said students that reside on that side of campus are first-year students and courses offered in the new center are mostly first-year sections. 

Earl and Donnalee Holton and Bob and Judy Hooker will be honored at the event. Named after lifelong supporters of learning, the Holtons and the Hookers have advocated for the growth of Grand Valley and inspired others to do the same. 

Einstein Bros. Bagels was relocated from The Commons to the first floor of the new building. The university's Housing and Residence Life office is located on the third floor. 

Construction of the $37-million facility began in September 2015. It is located on the north side of campus, next to Mackinac Hall.