When the Lawson-Fulton Student Center had its grand opening in January 2003, the HIU community could not imagine just how significant this new facilitywould become. Today the building is the hub of activity on campus, 希望的中心, and serves to foster not only a deeper sense of community amongst students, 工作人员, 教职员工也一样, but broadens opportunities for students as well.

“The student center is truly the heart of Hope,” 说 Kasey Philyaw (BA ’13), a scholar athlete who spent much of her time practicing and playing basketball in the Darling Pavilion. “It’s such a big part of the campus and community here,莱斯利·科菲(2013届文学士), a yearbook editor for 胜博发体育app出版物 and an intern for International Student Programs, 说. “This place allows us to have community together.”

工作人员 and faculty also take advantage of what the building allows. 里德麦考密克, 教务长, 说, “Not only is it the center of campus, but it’s also the heart of the campus.——Roberto Sirvent(2005届文学士), 副教授, appreciates the value it brings to his relationships with students. “I’ve always been fascinated by the conversations that take place inside the classroom, and I think it’s critical to continue those conversations outside of the classroom which is what this building allows.”

The construction of the Student Center was made possible by the generous donation of Mr. 斯坦·富尔顿. Fulton was first introduced to the university by LeRoy Lawson, one of HIU’s former presidents, and was moved by the vision and students of HIU. 斯坦·富尔顿 made donations of over $6 million to the Share The Hope Campaign. His lifetime giving of nearly $6.5 million is the most made by any one individual or corporation to HIU.

“More than once I have walked around campus and thought, ‘How did we ever survive without this building?’” remarked President Derry. “That building has literally transformed the University.”

The Student Center is home to many vital aspects of campus life including the 2,500座达令亭, the Del and Ann Harris fitness center, 公共餐厅, 一家名为The Hub的咖啡馆, 胜博发体育app邮箱, 提供全方位服务的邮件中心, 书店, and a recreational space housing comfortable study and relaxation areas. It also includes many 工作人员 departments including the Vice President for Student Affairs, 本科招生, 胜博发体育app住房, 校园部, 胜博发体育app活动, 胜博发体育app出版物, International Student Programs, 东西大学办公室, 职业服务, 以及所有体育办公室. The Information Desk serves as the entry way for the building as well as the main university phone line.

The Student Center has made immeasurable changes to the way students function on and off campus. Student athletes have experienced one of the largest benefits. Prior to the Darling Pavilion, where our basketball and volleyball games are now hosted, teams travelled to schools or facilities throughout the city to practice, 条件, 和竞争.

A vital aspect of campus life, meal plans, has also become a more palatable experience. 史蒂夫·理查森, Chair of the Biblical Studies Department, recalls the former cafeteria, “I remember some things like our old cafeteria that were so small that sometimes we didn’t have enough space for everybody to eat at the same time.” The Lambda Lounge has given way to the dining commons room, boasting tall floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of beautiful California sunshine.

Venue options for on-campus events are more plentiful than ever. Many important events are held in the Student Center including Commencement, 新生迎新, 的Phone-a-thon, and many other student activities.

The building also affords the opportunity for hosting outside groups like Christ in Youth (CIY), local basketball and volleyball leagues, 各种各样的夏令营, and the 富勒顿 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Just this past February the facility hosted over 2,000 junior high students as part of CIY’s 2013 Presence Tour.

Perhaps most important of all, the Student Center facilitates a community atmosphere, 希望是众所周知的品质, and one of the most memorable aspects of a college student’s experience.

For years, the Student Center was fondly referred to as the “New Student Center.“当我们现在回头看, 十年后, we no longer call this beloved building ‘new,’ but we do ponder the continuously new things it brings to student’s lives – new conversations, 新的友谊, 新的机遇, 还有一个新家.