Student Center Celebrates
10th Anniversary

   
The Cuesta College San Luis Obispo Campus Student Center, an on-campus hub for student social activities, services and general campus events, is turning 10 years old this year. To mark the occasion, the Associated Students of Cuesta College are throwing a party – a rather large party in fact, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Friday, April 22 in the Student Center Courtyard. The cost is free and everyone is invited to attend.

Entitled “Celebrate 10,” the event will feature live entertainment by Vocé, Cuesta’s premier Vocal Jazz Ensemble; guest speaker Marquam Piros, the first president of ASCC whose student government was instrumental in the creation of the Student Center; free food and dessert, which includes at least 10 different hors d’ oeuvres and birthday cake; and games and prizes. The entire Student Center will be open and decorated for participants to tour.

Ten years ago, the idea of a Student Center was driven entirely by the students themselves. According to then Cuesta College President Grace Mitchell, Piros came to her and said, “I have this idea. It’s probably not really feasible. You may think we’re taking on too much.’’ “In fact,” Mitchell said, “he gave me all kinds of preliminary reasons for me to say no. Then he said, ‘but let me tell you all about it.’” Impetus for a Center was also helped by the recent passage of California State Senate Bill 135, which made it possible for students, through a small fee, much like a tax, to fund a building for their own use.

In May l990, 77 percent of Cuesta College students voted yes for the Center. With funds coming primarily from student fees and bookstore revenues, the complex finally opened in l995. In those first years, the facility boasted video games and study rooms, a lounge and computer lab. Today, the Center includes a social
club where students can study, hang out on their own, watch
movies or get together with friends. It also houses student government and staff offices, a publicity workroom and Career
Connections, a student job placement service. About 9,000 visits are made to the Center every year, attracting students, prospective students and their parents, and guests who want to use the
facility for their events.

“I was pleased that Dr. Mitchell saw the value of the goal of the Student Center project,” Piros said. “She and her staff were incredibly supportive and allowed the students to lead and direct the effort. The success of the election resided in the ability of the students to gain support from the whole campus - administration, faculty, support staff and the students.  The center wasn’t only for current students but also for the future generation. We needed everyone to see the value and be a part of getting the word out.” Piros is currently Senior Manager, Ebusiness Sales, Marketing and Customer Service (SMC) for Seagate Technology, LLC.

For more information about the event, contact Student Life and Leadership at 546-3279.