By Clara Gilleland

Photo by Ghadah Alotaibi

At 3:00 P.M. on Nov. 16, SU held the Groundbreaking Ceremony for The Village and Caruthers House, which will be the first of five buildings that will be part of The Village, SU’s new apartment-style residence halls. The ceremony included music performances by the Buzzin’ Dozen Pep Band, a raffle for SU students to win an SU rocking chair, a housing deposit for next year, a plaque for students and faculty members to sign, and a reception following the groundbreaking performed by President Tracy Fitzsimmons and Student Government Association President, Daniel Hillgren.

Photo by Ghadah Alotaibi

The Village will be SU’s first on-campus, apartment-style complex, consisting of five three story buildings located behind Goodson Chapter/Recital Hall and Aikens Athletic Center. Each building will have two apartments per floor for a total of six apartments per building. The apartments will be approximately 1,600-square feet, including four single-occupancy bedrooms, two shared bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living and dining spaces, laundry, and a coat closet in the entryway. All of the apartments will have access to their own outdoor spaces, either a patio, a veranda, or screened porches. The residents of the apartments will also share a sand volleyball court, and an outdoor grill and fire pit.

Photo by Ghadah Alotaibi

At the ceremony, Rhonda VanDyke Colby, Vice President for Student Life, spoke to the students and faculty, notably saying, “The University can build buildings, but it’s the students that build the community.” This quote is so important because it really holds true to the spirit of SU. The new on-campus housing option will be a great way for students to remain on-campus and stay close to their classes, activities and events, yet still maintain the feeling of having an apartment. The new housing is sure to be a hit with students, and everyone is excited to see how the buildings turn out!