Members of the Black Student Alliance met to discuss an important issue to them last fall — the reopening of the Black Cultural Center. Their goal, which became symbolized by students wearing orange arm bands, was to raise $40,000.

Thomas Hill, vice president for student affairs, said the goal has been met, by way of commitments.

“We have got about $30,000, and we have some commitments,” Hill said. “We have got a commitment from the university by way of the president, a commitment from the city of Ames and the government of the student body.”

The $40,000 is needed to fix structural damages caused by a mold problem that closed the building down in 2003.

Money that would be needed to operate the building, which was not in the forefront of the fundraising effort, is now being discussed.

“Since then there has been some rethinking and the goal has been raised because we are looking at trying to also generate some operating funds,” Hill said. “To get the renovation is one thing, but then once it’s renovated, we need funds to operate it.”

Hill said he is hopeful the fundraising will be finalized within the next two weeks, when renovations can start.

Leonard Perry, adviser for the Black Student Alliance and director of Multicultural Student Affairs, said the center would be a good thing for black students on campus.

Hill agreed, but also said the Black Cultural Center is not important to just black students.

“It is limited to think of it only as a facility for black students,” he said. “It also contributes to the quality of life of the citizens of Ames.”

Hill said the building will cost between $600 and $700 every month to run, citing the age of the building as a reason for high maintenance costs.

The center was established in 1969, prompting questions about whether the Black Cultural Center would need to relocate sometime in the future.

“If you talk to students and people who frequent it, they would probably love to have a new facility, but you are talking about money,” Hill said.

Rachel Davis, sophomore in child and family services, said she has never been able to use the facility. She said the reopening of the Black Cultural Center on Welch Avenue would be important.

“It would be a really good thing to have it open, and it will be important for the education of the general public,” Davis said.