St. Cloud State University Athletics has used two grants to transform empty space in Halenbeck Hall into a dedicated area to support student-athletes on their academic and personal journeys at St. Cloud State.
The Huskies Academic Center (HAC) officially opened in February, with upgrades continuing throughout the spring and summer.
A grant from the Husky Impact Fund allowed Athletics to purchase signage, decor and updated furniture to produce a space conducive to studying. It also provided funds for technology upgrades for security and managing student-athlete sign-ins to track attendance.
In the first three months, the HAC saw 393 individual check-ins, totaling over 600 hours of dedicated study time. Academically successful upperclassmen supervise the space and provide tutoring to student-athletes on request.
Huskies Athletics had historic success in the classroom in 2025-26, with student-athlete GPA standing at 3.38, the highest on record. All 17 athletics teams also had a GPA higher than 3.0. Data shows SCSU student-athletes also graduate at a much higher rate than the average student.
“I’ve appreciated that the HAC has a quiet, yet warm environment that provides for student‑athletes to do homework, get tutored and stay focused in a space designed for our success,” said Alana Zarneke, a senior on the women’s basketball team.
The space will have new features in 2026-27, thanks to a partnership with Athletic Training and a grant from the Grachek-Svela Mental Health and Wellness Fund. A new room within the HAC has been dedicated for student-athlete mental well-being. Amenities include a massage chair, dimmed lighting, relaxing decor and stress relieving items such as red light therapy, puzzles and NeeDohs.
The space is designed for student-athletes who may need time alone to process emotions that athletics can suddenly produce, like injuries, lineup changes or academic stresses.
“We are excited to be able to welcome our student-athletes back to campus this fall and continue to provide these critical services to them as they continue their academic journey at SCSU,” said Abby Rittenhouse, associate athletics director for compliance and administration. “We are so thankful that the Husky Impact Fund and Grachek-Svela Mental Health Fund were able to assist in creating a necessary space for our student-athletes to be able to succeed in on and off the playing fields.”
Interested in supporting similar initiatives that benefit SCSU students? Go to scsu.mn/give to strengthen the Husky Impact Fund.
