University of Louisville Magazine

FALL 2013

The University of Louisville Alumni Magazine: for alumni, faculty, staff, students and anyone that is a UofL Cardinal fan.

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STUDE NT AFFAIRS AWAITING A WORKOUT "I THINK IT GOES TO SHOW HOW MUCH THIS UNIVERSITY VALUES THE VOICE OF STUDENTS" When the new $37.5 million Student Recreation Center opens this month, O.J. Oleka, 10B, hopes he'll get to take a peek inside — maybe even get in a workout. Oleka was the student body president in 2009, when he, other student government leaders, university administration and supporters started pushing in support of a badly needed new student rec center. Then SGA Service Vice President Krista Woltermann, 10A, who also worked as a Cardinal Ambassador, mentioned how prospective students and parents always asked about the workout facilities while on campus tours. At the time, UofL's didn't stack up against others. The university f rst proposed building the facility as part of its master plan in 2009. SGA featured it as a top priority in its own strategic plan, which students overwhelmingly approved. With support from campus administrators and approval from the Board of Trustees, construction commenced. The center is funded by a $98-persemester fee endorsed by the Student Senate, as well as private funding. "It's an example of when the UofL shared governance model really works" Oleka said. "It was pushed by students and supported by the administration. We put our heads together to see how we could do it." The center includes an exercise and weight facility, six basketball courts, an indoor multi-activity court, racquetball courts, ftness studios, classrooms, jogging track, golf simulator, an outdoor lighted, artifcial turf and other features. Dean of Students Michael Mardis commended the students for their long-term work and the university for listening to their call. "I think it goes to show how much this university values the voice of students," he said. As new campus leaders at the time, they wanted to take on a big, difference-making project. "How can we make UofL the best, not just now, but in the future?" Oleka recalled asking. VISION | To be acknowledged for our outstanding service to students; recognized as responsible servants to our communities; known as innovative and student-centered practitioners; and regarded as one of the premier student affairs programs in the country. 52|LOUISVILLE.EDU

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