University of Memphis President David Rudd and Student Government President David Knowles, center, cut the ribbon for the opening of the new dorm, Centennial Plac
Columns of blue and grey balloons marked the entrance to the Centennial Place’s grand opening as spectators tried to shake off the frigid 32-degree weather with hot chocolate and cookies once inside.
University of Memphis President M. David Rudd began the festivities by stating some of the most critical learning happens outside traditional spaces and scheduled experiences.
“Centennial place is a welcoming, important addition to a rapidly changing campus and community here at the University of Memphis,†Rudd said. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of this university. Each and every step we take is consistent with a vision for the U of M as a national, urban-serving research university deeply committed to an innovated education and one not bound by residential walls. One deeply connected to this city, which is thriving.â€
President of the Student Government Association, David Knowles, was glad to see the residence hall finally open.
“It’s like meeting someone you’ve been waiting to meet for a long time,†Knowles said. “To me this is a big deal. This has been manifesting itself the whole time I’ve been at the University of Memphis, and it’s just great to see this finally built up.
Living area in Centennial Place apartments
Once a resident advisor for Richardson Towers, which is soon to be demolished, Knowles was often consulted for a student’s perspective on Centennial Place during its construction.
“Words cannot express how grateful and honored I am to have this opportunity,†Knowles said.
After his speech, Knowles explained why Centennial Place will be a much better fit for U of M students than Richardson Tower.
“For one, it’s a newer establishment,†Knowles said. “It offers more space for activities.â€
One activity Centennial Place seems to be specifically built for is studying.
The residence hall contains two “smart classrooms,†many private study areas, various study rooms, and even “green spaces.â€
“The collaboration rooms are a good sign of the mixing of education and living in the same place,†said resident and mechanical engineering major Noah Middleton. “That’s what I like.â€
Fellow mechanical engineering freshman and Centennial resident Kenneth Crawford has also enjoyed his stay at Centennial Place so far.
“The environment is very nice and it’s better than any dorm I’ve ever seen,†Crawford said “It’s a very professional environment. It seems like it’s got more use to it than just having people live here.â€
Freshman Resident Marshal Hayes, believes the “coolest†part is what lies downstairs.
“I actually just found out there’s a kitchen downstairs the other day,†the computer science and German major said. “I had no idea.â€
Venkatesh Varma, a business information and technology graduate student, was visiting Centennial Place during the opening ceremony and enjoyed the festivities.
“I think Centennial hall is very great place for the students to stay,†25-year-old Varma said.
“The refreshments are awesome and the live music is so wonderful.â€
Knowles believes that kind of first impression is pertinent to the future of U of M.
The University of Memphis's $53 million Centennial Place is the lastest addition to the school master plan. It has 24 six-bedroom apartments, 300 single and doubleoccupancy rooms that are expected to house about 800 students. Each room is fully furnished and has two shared bathrooms and a kitchen, furnished with basic appliances.
“When a student comes to the U of M and they’re told ‘hey you’re probably going to be staying at Richardson Towers,’ they go inside Richardson Towers and look at it and say ‘oh this is an older building,†Knowles said. “If they come to the Centennial they’re going to say ‘this is what I have to look forward to.’ A lot of people pick their institutions depending on dorms, gyms, and food. This is a big, big step for us at the University of Memphis.â€
