Inside
WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY
Waterloo | Brantford | Kitchener | Toronto
Photo: Sandra Muir
DECEMBER 2013
(l-r): David McMurray, vice-president of Student Affairs, Annie Constantinescu, WLUSU president, Peter Baxter, director of Athletics and Recreation and Rob Donelson, vice-president of Development and Alumni Relations cut the ribbon to officially open the new Fitness Centre on Laurier’s Waterloo campus.
Fitness Centre celebrates grand reopening Renovations include expanded space and state-of-the-art equipment By Mallory O’Brien A large crowd filled the new entrance of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Fitness Centre as students, staff, faculty and friends of Laurier celebrated its grand reopening Nov. 13. The Fitness Centre’s $5.3 million renovation upgraded the existing space and added an additional floor that doubles the size of the centre. Laurier students were major supporters of the renovation, contributing $5 million through the Student Life Levy. “Not only have students been involved in the money side of it, but students have also been involved intimately in the design — what it looks like and how it functions — and delivering the instructional and training programs that happen here,” said David McMurray, vicepresident: Student Affairs, at the event. “Laurier would not be able to function in its athletic and recreation objectives and goals without students.”
The Fitness Centre is now more than 20,000 square feet, houses two additional fitness studios, and contains nearly $1 million of additional equipment. Included in the equipment additions are improved cardio machines, two full sets of circuit training machines, free weights, stretching and core training equipment, and a TRX training station. The expanded entrance allows easier access to the facility while also providing a social space for students. In addition, the updated facility features a divisible exercise area that allows for circuit training, personal and group training, and women’sonly workout times. “This is not only a celebration of the building, but also what it facilitates in terms of community,” said Peter Baxter, director of Athletics and Recreation. “This newly expanded complex encourages the meaningful learning of all aspects of the student experience. I thank all the stakeholders involved in incorporating within
the design of the complex our key aim, which is encouraging and integrating scholarship, educationally purposeful activities, reflection and leadership.” Baxter said the centre’s beautiful new design will support student health and wellness by allowing students to accomplish their lifestyle goals. For Laurier’s high-performance student athletes, the fitness centre represents one of the best training and conditioning facilities in Canada. Laurier’s excellence in sport is captured in the large, historic mural that decorates the new entrance. “With student wellness being such a prominent topic in the postsecondary sector, it is important as a student to see that the Athletics and Recreation department and facility is dedicated to ensuring that wellness programs are easily accessible and tailored to various student needs,” said Annie Constantinescu, president and CEO of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Students’ Union.
All corners of the new Fitness Centre are being embraced by students, staff and faculty, including the new stairway to the second floor.
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Meet Matt Park, manager at Laurier’s Toronto Office and superhero flick aficionado.
Geoff Nelson forges community partnerships to study housing for people with mental illness.
8 Laurier welcomes parents and students at campus open houses.