C.W. Post to Construct New Recreation Center
A new athletic and recreation center will be built
next to the Field House on the Post Campus as part of a $40 million tri-campus
construction and renovation effort by Long Island University.
A "milestone," this will be the first time in 25 years that construction
has been underway on all three Long Island University residential campuses
at once, according to President David J. Steinberg, who made the announcement.
Recent enrollment increases have made Long Island University one of the
10 largest private universities in the United States, larger than such institutions
as Northwestern, Johns Hopkins and Stanford, and approximately the size
of Columbia.
Extending over the next two years, the work at the Brooklyn, C.W. Post and
Southampton Campuses will be financed by private donations, planned expenditures
from operating funds, and revenues from a $20 million tax-exempt bond issue
that received final approval September 24, 1996 from the board of directors
of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.
The other projects include an approximately 35,000 square foot classroom
and laboratory building with facilities for Long Island's public radio station
WPBX-FM at Southampton College, and laboratories, classrooms and student
recreation areas at the Brooklyn Campus.
The $11 million C.W. Post recreation center and gym, now awaiting construction
approval by the Village of Brookville, will replace the cramped existing
gymnasium and will house an eight-lane collegiate-competitive swimming pool,
a three-court basketball arena, an indoor jogging track, racquetball courts
and aerobics, fitness and weight rooms.
Other construction plans at the C.W. Post Campus include a transformation
of the Hillwood Commons cafeteria seating area and additional parking for
students, staff and patrons of Tilles Center.
Growth spurt. "Long Island University is in the process of transforming
itself into one of the nation's most vigorous regional doctoral universities,"
Dr. Steinberg said. "In its 70 years the university has never been
more cohesive, more focused or more successful."
The two-year construction period is the culmination of a 10-year surge.
By the university's 75th anniversary in 2001, it will have invested nearly
$90 million in its facilities. In the last 10 years it has increased its
endowment from $4.3 to $25.7 million while retiring a planned cumulative
operating deficit of over $10 million. In the last two years it has substantially
increased its enrollment, most dramatically, doubling enrollment at its
Brooklyn Campus. In that period, the university also added 13 new graduate
programs and eight new undergraduate programs.
"Very Impressed." Added Thomas J. Murphy, chairman of the
Dormitory Authority's Board of Directors: "We have been very impressed
with Long Island University's plans for its campuses. We are pleased we
have been able to arrange part of the financing. Tax-exempt financing allows
the University to make substantial improvements in its facilities in a cost-effective
way."
Said Provost Joe Shenker, "C.W. Post is experiencing a break-through
year with increased enrollment, three new degree programs and expanded technologically
advanced facilities. Our new recreation center reflects our dedication to
the whole student experience."
Theresa Mall Mullarkey, a trustee who serves as Post's Chancellor, noted,
"This recreation center has been designed to give our students the
finest facilities for competitive and recreational sports and fitness. This
exciting addition to our campus reflects our belief in a real balance of
body and mind for our students."
The last major construction on the Post Campus occurred in 1985-86 when
the South Dormitory complex (formerly the New Dorms) was built for approximately
$10 million. Tilles Center was built in 1981. Groundbreaking for the recreation
center is planned for 1998 and is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.
For more information call the C.W. Post Public
Relations Office at (516) 299-2333 or e-mail cwpostpr@aurora.liunet.edu
September 1996 |
