B-CC TO RECEIVE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENT UNION CENTER/COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Enabling an expansion of its community outreach service programs, Bethune-Cookman College has learned Wednesday that it is scheduled to receive $497,040 in federal assistance through a spending measure filed in the United States Congress.  The funds will go toward the College’s efforts to develop a Community Services Center and new Student Union Center.

The college has a long history of providing volunteer services to the Daytona Beach Community.  A recent economic impact study conducted by economist Mark Soskin notes that the college contributes in excess of 500,000 hours to community organizations and agencies through the volunteer efforts of its students, staff and faculty.

“Investing in the leaders and workforce of our next generation is one of the most important contributions Congress can make to the future well-being of the United States,” said Congressman Mica in a release issued by his Washington, D.C. office.

In late 2002 the college purchased the former Gary Yeomans Ford building on International Speedway Blvd. with the intent to retrofit the property into a community services center and student union center, which is estimated to cost $15 million.  The building is located adjacent to public housing units, which are slated to undergo major renovation under the Hope VI project.

The College’s community services activities are presently housed on a space available basis around the 70-acre campus. The present Student Union Building, built in 1966 to accommodate a student population of 900, has outlived its usefulness for a student body that today numbers a record 2,794.  

“With the completion of the Center, activities can be consolidated to improve accessibility, efficiency and increase the number of individuals served by the College,’’ said Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, Sr, B-CC president. “Bethune-Cookman College is extremely grateful to Congressman Mica and those who worked with him to secure these funds to enable us to increase our contributions to the community.”

The Student Union Center/Community Service Center will allow the College to further its health volunteer service programs and better aid local residents seeking satisfactory health care assistance.

Bethune-Cookman is a comprehensive college, which offers degrees in liberal arts as well as professional fields, such as business, education and nursing. A United Methodist Church-affiliated school, the college has a diverse and international student population of more than 2,500 and a solid reputation for academic excellence. As evidence of its outstanding program, the College has been listed in the Templeton Honor Roll of Character Building Colleges and Universities, and it was ranked by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the “Top 50” schools in the nation for black students.

For more information, contact our website www.bethune.cookman.edu. 

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