A campus fitness center at Wayne State University is becoming a reality with a groundbreaking ceremony and reception set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, on Gullen Mall, east of the Student Center Building.

The ceremony with dignitaries, hard hats, shovels and student fitness demonstrations signals the beginning of the center proposed by President Irvin D. Reid shortly after his arrival in the fall of 1997.

President Reid; Robert L. Carter, interim vice president for Student Development and Campus Life; and Edgar A. Scribner, vice chair of the WSU Board of Governors, plan to offer remarks.

During the ceremony ongoing demonstrations will be provided by 15 students and several aerobic instructors, who will demonstrate three types of activities: step aerobics, resistance training and flexibility exercises.

The center will provide more recreation opportunities on campus for WSU's commuting student body. That would help fulfill one of Reid's 10 challenges, bulding a sense of community. Number one on the president's list was a challenge to: "Establish better working relationships on campus and create more of a sense of community."

The proposed 75,000 square foot, three-story building with a lower level, located between the Student Center Building and Purdy-Kresge Library, has facilities for:

A two-court gymnasium;
A suspended walking/jogging track;
An aerobic studio;
A seminar room;
A multi-purpose room;
A rock-climbing wall; and
A leisure pool.
The center will offer exercise and fitness opportunities to students, faculty and staff in a central location. Wellness seminars such as smoking cessation and stress management are planned as well. Students will be able to arrange these activities around their school, work and home schedules.

University officials say that in addition to motivating healthy lifestyles, the center will help create an environment that motivates students to remain on campus after classes. In the process it will promote a positive university experience.

For more information, call Cam Liebold, (313) 577-6710.

Note: To reserve space in the Guest Parking Lot on Palmer between Cass and Anthony Wayne Drive, call Deana Vulcano at (313) 577-2150.