New student center to elevate education

The occasion was large and the announcement absolutely enormous when Weatherford College president Dr. Todd Farmer took the stage following his annual president’s luncheon. Farmer announced the largest building project in Weatherford College history, a five-story, $100 million student union and cafeteria building.

The excitement began at the door as dozens of athletes and students from all teams and departments lined the entrance of the Marjorie Alkek Fine Arts Center to cheer as attendees entered.

Suzie Jary, program director of social work at the campus, was among the visitors thrilled with the fanfare.

“The entry was fantastic!” Jary exclaimed. “All the cheerleaders, rodeo team, nursing students and athletes were all lined up and cheering for us. It was a rush.”

Everything built to the announcement of the new building project.

The modern five-story student union building will include everything necessary for students from registration to graduation.

“Our new one stop shop will encompass a new testing center, new tutoring center, new TRIO/SSS/Upward Bound facilities, a new veterans’ center, a book store, a new police station, a new financial aid office, a new advising center, registration stations, disability services, mental and physical health services, a new creative services office, new faculty and coaches offices, a new cafeteria, a large community dining room, a medium sized community dining room, a private faculty and staff dining room, and a new board room,” Farmer said.

Dr. Tod Farmer speaks with athletes before the bond event.

Visitors were greeted with applause and cheers from members of all sports, departments and clubs as they entered the Presidential Luncheon at …

Director Fredrick Sanders plays the melodica with the Coyote Jazz Band as the group performs at the Presidential Luncheon in the Marjorie Alkek Fine …

Head baseball coach and assistant athletic director Jeff Lightfoot speaks on air with 102.5 FM Coyote Radio host Dave Cowley about the significance …

Raegin Davis played in and sang with the Coyote Jazz Band before the event and later performed in the lobby for the reception.

“To the students who are here today, and to the students who may be watching on the live stream, I challenge you to dream big and act now,” Dr. Farmer emphasized after the announcement.  “You are our college priority. You are surrounded by people who care about you and want you to succeed. Weatherford College is your college. This is your opportunity to turn your dreams into reality, so dream big and act now.”