Work slated to begin on new campus center

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. -- Westminster College is undergoing something of a renaissance.
In the past few years, new construction and renovation have been a staple of campus life, with the construction of the new Remmick Admissions House, two additions -- one still ongoing -- to the college field house and the renovation of Thompson-Clark Hall.
But the college's most ambitious project will start this spring with the groundbreaking for a new campus center.
What's planned: The $13 million, state-of-the-art building will be outfitted with a student arcade, Internet access throughout, fast-food vendors, high-technology projection equipment, a ballroom and student meeting rooms.
"It's probably long overdue. It's one project everyone on campus knows we need," said Gloria Cagigas, vice president of institutional advancement.
Cagigas is in charge of fund raising for the 77,000-square-foot, ultra-modern building that will have an all-glass front and attach to the Freeman and Walton-Mayne halls. Both of those buildings will also be renovated as part of the project, she said.
Funding: But before work can begin, the college is still about $3 million shy of paying for the building, Cagigas said.
About $10 million has been raised -- including a $3 million gift from 1957 alumnus Andy McKelvey, who heads TMP Worldwide, which owns monster.com, she said.
An additional million was recently left to the school by 1937 graduate Dr. John S. Witherspoon after his death last year.
A ceremonial groundbreaking is set for May 1, and construction should be under way by fall. It will take about 13 months, said Larry Ratvasky, project manager for campus construction projects.