PNC to Construct New Student Services and Activities Complex

PNCThe 2013 - 2015 budget approved by the Indiana General Assembly includes a key provision that will allow Purdue University North Central to move forward with construction of a new Student Services and Activities Complex on its Westville campus.

The budget provides state fee replacement support for issuing $23.7 million in bonds to help finance construction of the proposed $34.7 million complex. The remaining funding will be generated through student fees and gift donations to PNC.

"We are thrilled the general assembly has allowed us to move forward," said PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. "This is a significant step for PNC as we continue our mission to serve the educational, athletic and social needs of the residents of Northwest Indiana. This is a game changer which will enable us to continue to improve our retention and graduation rates."

Dworkin thanked the Indiana General Assembly for including the Student Services and Activities Complex in the state budget.

"Our local legislators extended their bipartisan support for the Student Services and Activities Complex and worked hard to ensure that their colleagues from across the state understood the importance of including it in the budget," said Dworkin.

"State Senators Karen Tallian, Jim Arnold and Ed Charbonneau and State Representatives Thomas Dermody, Scott Pelath and Ed Soliday were tremendous advocates and I thank them for their ongoing support of PNC."

The Student Services and Activities Complex will have the capacity to host a variety of university events - meetings, conferences, presentations, dances and exhibits. It will also free up existing rooms on campus allowing them to be reassigned as classrooms and labs. Athletic teams that now must hold practices and games off-campus will be housed in this complex.

PNC's commencement ceremony will also be held in the new complex.

"Commencement is one of the most significant events in a person's life; we are looking forward to seeing our students receive their diplomas on their own campus," said Dworkin.

The facility will serve the residents of LaPorte, Porter and Starke County and be available for community meetings, functions and other events.

Construction is expected to begin in 2014.