President Brian Blair has announced approval for a new student union and conference center, to be constructed in the space along College Drive between the residence suites and Pendleton Hall. First and foremost it will be a place for resident and commuter students to gather recreationally. A fitness center is to be included on the lower level, including locker rooms, showers, exercise equipment, and space for yoga and other activities. The first floor will be dedicated to recreational space, a food court, campus store, and lounge. The second floor will hold meeting rooms that will be utilized for student and faculty groups, and can additionally serve as conference space to visitors.
The College is excited to be creating a central hub which can serve students constantly throughout the year, and also function as a central meeting place for the Academy and Bryn Athyn community. President Blair said, “As the only New Church college in the world, it is fitting that we create a space where Swedenborgian study and thought can be developed and shared. As last year’s Swedenborg and the Arts Conference showed us, there are many opportunities to connect with scholars close to home and around the globe- and this building will help us do that.”
Students are excited about the new building, and especially look forward to having a fitness center and food court in the heart of campus where they can easily “go to hang out or to study, but not necessarily have to be quiet.” Currently, the Swedenborg Library and the Brickman Great Hall serve as study and meeting places, but the addition of a recreational facility will support and nourish student life on campus in a new and vital way.