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University of Southern Mississippi officials, dignitaries and students held formal groundbreaking ceremonies today for Century Park, the university’s newest residential community. The $37.7 million development, the largest in the history of Southern Miss, will consist of four, four-story buildings in a gated community and provide 864 beds. The project is located on West Fourth Street, adjacent to the Longleaf Trace Gateway at Southern Miss. “In 2007, faculty, staff and students gathered to plan the largest project the university has ever undertaken,” said Dr. Chris Crenshaw, director of Residence Life. “I am excited to be here today to celebrate the progress of their vision.” The project is a continuation of the university’s housing master plan, with the goal of being a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified residential complex, believed to be the first in the state. Other features of the complex will include double occupancy rooms with private baths; card accessible student rooms; covered bike racks; free cable and laundry services, as well as internet connection capabilities of up to one GB. “Century Park will be the first of several construction phases dedicated to providing state-of-the-art living communities for the students of Southern Miss,” said Crenshaw. “I am confident that with the continued support of the Southern Miss community, our students will continue to experience exciting new residential options in which to flourish academically and socially.” Century Park, named in celebration of the university’s 100-year anniversary, will be ready for occupancy in the fall of 2010. “The complex, which will be home to many of Southern Miss’ 2010 freshman class, will offer students a very attractive and modern housing opportunity,” said Sid Gonsoulin, associate vice president for Student Affairs. “This project will have a positive impact on the recruitment and retention of resident students.” For more information about Century Park, contact the Department of Residence Life at 601.266.4783 or
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Architect’s rendering of the new Century Park residence hall at Southern Miss.
University of Southern Mississippi officials and local and state dignitaries took part in a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for Century Park, the university’s new 864-bed residential community. The ceremony was held indoors at the Payne Center because of inclement weather. The project, named in celebration of the university’s 100-year anniversary, will be ready for occupancy in the fall of 2010. From left are Dr. Joe Paul, Vice President for Student Affairs; Interim Institutions of Higher Learning Commissioner and Southern Miss President Emeritus Dr. Aubrey Lucas; Student Government Association President Melissa Cirino; President Dr. Martha Saunders; Residence Life Director Dr. Chris Crenshaw; Hattiesburg businessman and former IHL board member Carl Nicholson; Chief Financial Officer Joe Morgan; and Hattiesburg mayor Dr. Johnny DuPree. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse) About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu. -30-
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