September 2016
Page 11
Brandon Edition
Southeastern Guide Dogs Opens New Student Center
By Tatiana Ortiz
house visually impaired students and veterans during their 26-day on campus training, as well as provide office space for support staff and volunteers. This 30,865 sq. ft. climate-controlled interior place and 5,503 sq. ft. covered exterior features 12 private student rooms, a dining hall, training facilities and much more. It will serve more than 550 students and graduRibbon cutting was held in September for the grand ates as well as welcoming opening of the Barpal-Hirst Student Center at tens of thousands of visitors. Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto. (l-r): Chief The existing student dorExecutive Officer Titus Herman, lead donors Isaac and Margaret Barpal, lead donor Keith G. Hirst and Board mitory administrative building Chair Tim Griffy. began as a two-story bedroom home more than 32 The wait for a new student center at years ago. Many renovations occurred Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, in response to the organization’s growth, came to a close. Southeastern Guide but the general building maintenance Dogs celebrated the grand opening of exceeded its effectiveness over time. their new Barpal-Hirst Student Center, With the lack of space and too small of which broke ground in March 2015. a building, lead into the development of Sarasota residents Margaret and Isaac the Barpal-Hirst Student Center. Now Barpal and Keith G. Hirst are the lead donors. Together they pledged $3 million two people with dogs can pass side-byside with the 8ft. hallways. towards the project. Former student Suzy Wilburn “We took on a theme of growth and shared her excitement about the center we want to see Southeastern Guide and how the program changed her life. Dogs as an organization with a great Wilburn has Stargardt disease, which future. In fact, the organization knows effects her vision. She works as its what it wants to do 50 years from now,” Director of Admissions and Student Hirst said. Services. In 1982, Southeastern Guide Dogs For more information visit became established. Along with that, the www.guidedogs.org. It is located at 4210 new $8.5 million student center resides 77th Street East in Palmetto. Hours of on 33-acres in Palmetto. The non-profit operation are Monday through Friday 8 organization operates through donors a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Call 941-729-5665. and private funding. The facility will
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