R. Steve Dick/University Relations
Santos Núñez Galicia, left, program director for the Multicultural Resource Center, gives a tour of the new Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center to Annette Spates, Edwards Campus Student Success program director, and Therese Thonus, director of the KU Writing Center. Staff have moved into the building, which has a view of the Memorial Campanile and hill from several locations, including the main classroom.
A new outlook
Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center opens doors
Sometimes a change in scenery can make all the difference.
And what a change it is for the Multicultural Resource Center. The center moved from a cramped, old space located near the Military Science Building into the brand-new Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center, adjacent to the Kansas Union.
While the building's exterior is not quite finished, staff have moved into the building's offices, and students have been quick to adopt the center. The building takes advantage of its space, offering majestic views of the Memorial Campanile to the west and the city of Lawrence to the north and east.
Just inside the main entrance is a student lounge area that demonstrates the building's three most striking features: abundant natural light, unique angles and vivid color. Large windows near the entrance provide natural light, and numerous angles in the ceiling, walls and windows make the traditional rectangular room almost non-existent in the center. Santos Nunez Galicia, program director for the Multicultural Resource Center, said the design components are not only unique but represent the center's mission.
"In the design of the building, we really wanted to take advantage of the views, that's why we have the big windows. We also wanted to have a building that wasn't necessarily square. The multiple colors help represent the diversity of people who will be here in the building," she said.
The building's design also reflects students' wishes. Architects who designed the center met with student organizations and Student Senate to gauge what they wanted to see in the space.
Technology is also at the forefront of the center. The building will have wireless Internet access, and its main classroom has an advanced audiovisual system. Controlled by a touch screen, the system allows users to project video, photos and other media. The control screen is also wireless and detachable, allowing a presenter to move around the room while speaking. The classroom can also alternate between table and chair and theater-style seating. Students were also instrumental in making the building a reality. Along with a $1 million donation from the Sabatini family, student fees funded the construction.
The classroom will host a number of events. Nunez Galicia said she hopes to increase the number of programs that promote cooperation among disciplines.
"We will offer all the programs we did before, but we also plan to create new programs through cultural collaborations," she said.
The academic resource center, which provides tutoring services and a place to study, is just across the hall. An additional resource room with books, computers, electronic research materials and study space is nearby as well.
The building also features staff offices -- all of which are different colors -- a conference room, kitchen and staff workspace. A patio area overlooking Oread Avenue is on the building's southeast corner.
The building is officially open for business, and Nunez Galicia said a dedication will be held later this semester. Though the building is still being completed, people are thrilled to be there.
"Our students were so excited when they first came in, they were almost in tears. Some of them were literally jumping up and down," Nunez Galicia said.
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