Elizabeth City State University held a grand reopening ceremony on Tuesday for its newly renovated Commuter Center and Bowling Alley. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of the innovative academic and recreational campus space.
The event doubled as a special meet-and-greet with Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. Edmonds was named the interim chief executive officer and chancellor of ECSU on July 1. Before that, she served as chief of staff at North Carolina Central University.
Students, faculty, alums, and board members gathered to witness the unveiling of the modernized facility, which houses upgraded amenities tailored to support academic and recreational activities.
“Inside the Commuter Center and Bowling Alley, you’ll find various areas where students can conduct meetings in an open environment and participate in the Physical Education Institutional Lab and the eSports and Virtual Reality Auxiliary Lab,” said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds in her address to the crowd.
The bowling alley has historically served as a focal point for social interaction among ECSU Vikings. The renovations aim to enhance this community hub.
“This newly designed facility is not just a building. It is a testament to our commitment to ensure that our students love where they live and learn,” Edmonds expressed.
The renovated facility provides students spaces for friendly competitions in games such as bowling, pool tables, and even video games. The enhancements align with ECSU’s ongoing efforts to enrich student life and foster a sense of community on campus.
Following the ceremony, Kevin Wade, vice chancellor of Student Affairs and interim vice chancellor of University Advancement, surprised the crowd by presenting a pair of custom bowling shoes to Edmonds on behalf of the student body. The shoes were wrapped with the school’s signature blue color rhinestones.