October 14, 2005 Source: University of Lethbridge:
http://www.uleth.ca/notice/display.html?b=4&s=4453 Students Become Significant Donors to New Regional Health and Wellness Centre A 66 per cent ‘yes’ vote by U of L students in a recent referendum means a contribution from students of $2.5 million for the new Regional Health and Wellness Centre over 10 years. Twenty-seven percent of eligible voters cast on-line ballots October 11, 12, and 13. "I would like to thank the students for this significant commitment," U of L President Bill Cade said. "They are continuing a tradition of support for projects that make the University a better place, and their contribution will ensure that the new Regional Health and Wellness Centre is built to the best standard." U of L students have contributed to other capital projects, including the Students’ Union Building (1990) and the University Library, which opened in 2001. Students are currently paying into a fund that supports the mortgage on the Students’ Union Building, which will be paid off in March, 2007. The referendum question asked students to reallocate the future mortgage contributions toward the Regional Health and Wellness Centre starting September, 2007. This contribution will not result in an increase in student fees, and would amount to a contribution of $2.5 million over a 10-year period. Full-time students would pay $15 per semester. Part-time students would pay $7.50 per semester. The levy fee applies to Lethbridge students only. The Students’ Union General Assembly supported the initiative. Nancy Walker, the U of L’s Vice-President, Finance and Administration, said a confirmation of student support would assist the University in gaining additional funds for the project. "This new $31 million centre will be funded by the City of Lethbridge, the University of Lethbridge and private contributions. Student support at this level sends a strong message to the Province and private donors that this building, a partnership between the University, students and the community, is greatly needed," Walker said. Results: Total Eligible Voters: 6448
Total Who Voted: 1734
Percent Who Voted: 26.89% Health and Wellness Centre Question: 33.79% of people answered NO (586 people)
66.21% of people answered YES (1148 people) Complete information about the Regional Health and Wellness Centre referendum question is available on this website http://www.uleth.ca/leavingalegacy/ -- 30 -- Background Information: The Regional Health & Wellness Centre (RHWC) will be a state-of-the-art facility for all students, faculty, staff, athletes, alumni and the community. It will be a place for recreational play, fitness, group exercise and wellness activities. It will advance learning and research in subjects like kinesiology and prevention-focused research. It will be a centre that focuses on the connection between the mind and the body. A facility that supports the belief that not all lessons are learned in the classroom, and that through recreation, we re-create ourselves. The RHWC will be one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings in the province. It will be one of the first 10 buildings in the province to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards. This "green" approach to the building’s design will also produce an energy-efficient facility that will be less expensive to run. The new facility will be about 40 per cent more energy efficient than the current Physical Education Building. The 11,600 sq. m. RHWC, a combination of new and existing facilities, is expected to open in September 2006, with renovations to the existing PE Building expected to be complete by January 2007. This new $31 million centre will be funded by the students, City of Lethbridge, the University of Lethbridge and private contributions. The University is currently seeking donations from a variety of sources and the student support for this project is very symbolic and will give that added boast when approaching other donors. Student support for the RHWC will continue the legacy of students helping build this campus for future generations and will aid in the completion of this centre that will immediately improve the fitness and wellness facilities at the University of Lethbridge. Students will be recognized for their contribution towards the facility with naming opportunities in the RHWC. For additional information, please visit this website: http://www.uleth.ca/hwc -- U of L Communications and Public Relations Contact:
Bob Cooney, Communications and PR Officer (403) 382-7173
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