Astronaut talks, musical laptops highlight exceptional weekend

The momentum built at our very own Coca-Cola Space Science Center (CCSSC) is extraordinary. In memory of the 25th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy, Director Dr. Shawn Cruzen invited former astronaut Col. Al Worden to our campus. Speaking to a variety of groups, including more than 350 Muscogee County School District children, Col. Worden reinforced the enormous value of space exploration and our space program to innovation, creativity, communications, medicine and more. Kudos to the entire CCSSC team for an extraordinary series of events. At the Schwob School of Music, while dozens of students and faculty were away participating in the Georgia Music Educators Conference in Savannah, professor Matt McCabe hosted the Latop Orchestra of Louisiana -- nine extraordinary musicians whose primary performance instruments are Apple MacBook Pros, supported by iPads, joysticks and a host of other unique technologies. The performance in our Studio Theater at RiverCenter was exceptional. These programs enhanced a special visiting lecture in the Department of Art, a hyper-busy new Student Recreation Center and Clear Channel broadcasts of Cougar basketball on the FM dial made to create another exceptional weekend at Columbus State.

Recreation center dedication represents historic milestone for university

In 18 very short months, Columbus State University has enjoyed a construction renaissance that will forever change student, faculty and staff recreational opportunities.

The recent opening of the 106,000-square foot Student Recreation Center represents a milestone for our campus, reinforcing our commitment to live, work and play on one of the most student- and faculty-engaged campuses one will find.

Student Government President Joshua Burston rightfully acknowledged the work of the two SGA presidents who preceded him, Alex Acton and David Owen (both currently enrolled in graduate programs), as well as the students who voted for and who have supported this effort since day one. Offering everything from racquetball to rock climbing, sauna to swimming, basketball to zumba, jogging, fitness, roller hockey and more, this is a campus culture-changing construction project that represents a true destination for our students. It also features lots of study space, wireless network access,  and a huge multi-purpose room for concerts, dinners and more. This is a truly terrific facility.

Our thanks go to the Student Affairs leadership team, including Drs. Gina Sheeks, Darryl Holloman and Campus Recreation Director Rick Cravens, as well as our construction oversight team of Eddie Woodhouse and Mike Medlock, for their collective diligence.

We were graced at the dedication by the presence of 10 CSU Foundation trustees, including chair Sherry Wade. Regent Kessel Stelling, state Reps. Reps. Debbie Buckner and Calvin Smyre and hundreds of students, faculty, staff and alumni also helped make the dedication a great milestone event for a great university.