More than 88 years after its dedication in 1930, a building with “good bones”, was hailed again with a re-dedication as the new home of the Center for Health and Wellness Innovation.
Eastman Hall re-opened this summer as a place to meet the needs of students’ mind, body and overall wellness. Students, faculty, staff, community members and the Minnesota state legislators, past and present, who supported the project gathered Aug. 20 for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the building’s new life.
Medical Clinic and Pharmacy Director Corie Beckerman said that the new Center will take a personalized approach to caring for students.
“Students are always, always at the center of our work, she said.
Student Government President Kridish Uprety and student veteran Nicholas Lengyel spoke about what the Center means for students.
“I am proud that in this community we have services at Eastman Hall and that our school is willing to help the issues that many veterans face when they return home to a nation that at times seems like they would much rather forget us than help us,” Lengyel said. “… Thankfully Eastman Hall has always been part of the veteran community through the partnerships on campus.”
President Robbyn Wacker thanked and recognized those who were instrumental in the redevelopment of the historic campus building.
“Our re-imagined Eastman Hall stands here today as a tribute to our university’s past and a beacon of promise for our future,” Wacker said. “It is ‘loyal to our fine tradition’ and ‘unleash amazing’ all in one magnificent building.”
People playing air hockey
The renovation was completed thanks to a $18.6 million in renovation funding approved by the Minnesota Legislature in 2017. Several of the current and former legislators who supported the renovation spoke about their excitement for the building’s opening — many sharing their personal connections to Eastman Hall.
“I have watched from afar with great interest the progress on this magnificent facility,” said Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra. “… This is a cutting edge facility, but it’s more than just bricks and mortar. And it represents the emergent vision of the university and it’s innate potential and promise.”
School of Health and Human Services Dean Shonda Craft said that the new Center for Health and Wellness Innovation will build a culture of health and wellness that enhances student success and fosters a greater sense of well being for all St. Cloud State faculty and staff.
“This building is a gift the work that will be done inside of it will be a legacy,” she said.
The building houses health services, academic classrooms and training and research labs, and student life organizations — including the new Recovery Resource Center that will serve students seeking recovery from a substance use disorder.
The next chance to tour Eastman Hall will be during the public Grand Opening Celebration during Homecoming Sept. 28.
Would love to see images of the new interior spaces of Eastman!
We’ve added a second gallery with interior spaces in the images.
Pictures please!