Mount Royal continues to grow with its latest addition — an expanded student centre. Working jointly with Mount Royal, the Students’ Association of Mount Royal College (SAMRC) will expand the student owned Wyckham House to add almost 45 per cent more space to the existing centre.“Wyckham House is a vibrant marketplace for the exchange of ideas and life experiences. This concept has been the driving factor for the overall design of the project, as well as focusing on the needs of the students, the volunteer centres and the SAMRC staff” says SAMRC General Manager Marcy Fogal. “The new building exceeds the basic standards for environmental sustainability, which is important to our members”
Fogal has been looking forward this expansion for almost ten years now and is excited about the building design. “The focal point of the building is the jewel of Council Chambers – reflecting the importance of the student governance process and its members. We’ve also worked hard to capture the student spirit in the design by making if fun, avant-garde, experimental and sassy.”
Mount Royal President David Marshall is pleased with the latest student initiative. "The Students’ Association and the student centre are important contributors to campus life at Mount Royal,” says Marshall. “This latest development on our campus embodies what we're all about — providing the services students need to help them succeed. The new structure will add to the lives of each and every one of our students."
Mount Royal’s Vice-President Administrative Services Richard Roberts has been working closely with the Students’ Association on the project and says that "The expansion of Wyckham House Student Centre is an exciting and very timely project that will benefit students and the entire college community for many years into the future.”
Mount Royal students have always been visionary. Over 40 years ago, students saved $21,000 to purchase an old house downtown and create a space of their own. In 1987, the SAMRC opened a new student centre at the College’s Lincoln Park campus. Named after a professor who inspired the original venture, Wyckham House continues to provide necessary services to the student body and a refuge from the pressures of student life. Students saved $3 million to put towards the new building.
Over the years, the student centre has become a central gathering point for the students, faculty and staff of Mount Royal, and a place where students can get help and support and have social, volunteer and leadership opportunities — all things that are vital to a well-rounded education.
SAMRC President Jonathan Macpherson feels immense pride in this undertaking. “We couldn’t be here today if it were not for the foresight and diligence of students over 40 years ago,” says Macpherson. “Our student body is the foundation of our existence. We are happy that the student vision of Wyckham House being the vibrant hub on campus is finally becoming a reality.”
