“…the common thread remains that members of the OBU family learn best and grow best when they learn and grow together.” OBU Breaks Ground for Fourth Building in the Student Housing Village OBU broke ground for the fourth new building in the Residential Village Friday, May 16, prior to the University’s 100th Spring Commencement. The 41,810-square-foot suite-style residential facility, located on the north side of MacArthur Street and west of Raley Drive, will house 162 students. Constructed in a lodgetype style, the residential hall will feature a large rock fireplace with cedar trim in the common area, designed to serve as a gathering space for students living in Residential Village housing. The building will include an apartment for a faculty member to live in residence, mentoring and aiding students. It will also feature a tornado safe room. Brandon Skaggs, dean of students, spoke of the positive impact the new facility will have on student life.
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SUMMER 2014 OBU MAGAZINE
“I’m very excited that construction is literally happening throughout campus. What a testimony to God’s glory and to Him truly blessing OBU,” Skaggs said. “We are pleased to welcome a new residence center. Our prayer is that this is a place where gospel-centered community can flourish and truly transform lives for God’s kingdom.” OBU President David W. Whitlock spoke of the excitement for the future of Bison Hill and the impact this facility will have for the University. “The OBU family is one that grows together through shared experiences and one that holds together through shared memories,” Whitlock said. “We’re excited that the students who live in this building will enjoy some new and enhanced features, but the common thread remains that members of the OBU family learn best and grow best when they learn and grow together. This demonstrates the commitment of trustees and administration to keep moving OBU forward, as we continue to see lives transformed on Bison Hill.”
Mathena Center to Provide Facility for Sports Medicine OBU broke ground Friday, May 16, for the Mathena Center, a freestanding sports medicine and training facility located inside the Eddie Hurt Athletic Complex between the Jay P. Chance Track Building and the Bison Football Field. The Mathena Center will feature 2,381 square feet of space with an office for the sports medicine specialist, an exam room, a whirlpool room, a hot and cold polar pool, a large treatment area with taping tables and a garage for medical vehicles used at athletic events. Robert Davenport, OBU director of athletics, spoke of the excitement he has for the new facility and the personal connection he has with the Mathena family, who provided funding for the entire project. “I’d like to start off by expressing my gratitude to the Mathena family,” Davenport said. “This facility will