SU community members gathered Friday afternoon to dedicate the newly-constructed Union Drive Community Center.

ISU administrators spoke of the UDCC’s role in continuing to draw students to Iowa State and improving the quality of life for students already here.

Nearly 130 faculty members, staff and students attended the dedication ceremony held at the UDCC, which is located in the Union Drive Association.

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy helped dedicate the new facility.

Geoffroy said the UDCC is truly for the students of Iowa State.

“The new facility is the cornerstone of revitalization for Iowa State,” Geoffroy said. “Facilities like this one improve total quality of life for students, faculty and staff.”

Geoffroy said the new facility is very important for the recruitment of new students. The UDCC will benefit many of the thousands of students who will attend Iowa State, he said.

“The good eating establishment is a great opportunity for interaction between students, faculty and staff,” Geoffroy said.

Geoffroy said when he asked students what their thoughts on the new facility were, they liked the food and the options, but disliked the long lines.

Randy Alexander, director of the Department of Residence, thanked the construction crew and designers for their work.

“The project was a huge team effort,” he said.

Alexander said many people have asked him if the facility was the first of its kind.

“My answer is a clear and definite no and yes . . . I have a broad future in California politics,” he joked.

“The market concept [of the UDCC] will be the best of its kind, but it’s not the first on campus or in the nation,” Alexander said. Because the UDCC groups services and neighborhoods together, it will nurture a strong and positive learning community. The UDCC was built on the site closest to central campus so it would be inviting for other students on campus, Alexander said.

“[The UDCC] will promote social interactions,” he said.

Alexander said it is hoped the UDCC will remove perceived barriers that exist between students on campus as well as provide an environment with a diversity of opinions and beliefs.

Danny Short, UDA president, said he was very impressed with the residence halls when he first arrived on campus.

This is Short’s second year living in Friley Hall and because of his location, “I feel I’m getting to see the new side of campus,” he said.

The new building will help bring kinship to the students on and off campus, Short said.

Inter-Residence Hall Association President Eric Peters said aside from being a dining hall, the UDCC will be a place where students can kick back and relax, meet people and have a good time.

The location of the new building is centralized so students are able to participate in social events, Peters said.

Regent David Neil of La Porte City said it brings him great joy to know the new facility was designed and built by Iowans.

Neil said the facility spoke volumes about the high quality of education Iowa State offers. Iowa State needs to keep a full house each year to keep things afloat, he said.

“Use this building, but don’t abuse it,” Neil said. “Leave it for the generations to come.”