MoWest opens new center for students to connect, work on projects
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Missouri Western State University celebrated the opening of its new Student Collaboration Center on campus.
The new space is dedicated to George S. Richmond, a longtime faculty member and administrator who made a lasting impact after moving to St. Joseph and joining MoWest.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, in Potter Hall on MoWest's campus.
Tom Richmond, George's son and treasurer for MoWest's Board of Directors, said he hopes the new student center becomes a space where students feel comfortable, connected and cared for while on campus.
“I have been to Potter Hall before and I have seen students not have a place to go to and I have seen them visiting or sitting with each other, so I believe this will be a creative space for them to do their work or just relax," Tom Richmond said.
He also said he is thrilled to see another space on campus where students can come together, build connections and create lasting memories.
The goal is for students to see this space as a meaningful, welcoming spot on campus — a place open to everyone.
“My background is in engineering, maybe it wouldn’t have been essential for me, but folks that are interested in the arts... so much of that has to do with connections with other people,” Tom Richmond said.
Animation Club President Kylee Derr said it’s an incredible opportunity, not just for the university, but for the lasting impact it will have on students for years to come.
She shared that her team plans to use the space for collaborative projects between animation and cinema students. Derr also pointed out that having a dedicated space to sit down and get work done can be both meaningful and beneficial for everyone.
“Overall hopes would include having this new space for projects whether that be visual, arts, music, cinema or just about anything we can get," Derr said.
Derr said she plans to use the space herself — whether it’s grabbing lunch, relaxing between classes or spending time with friends and making memories.
