Friday, January 9, 2009

Columbia Southern University to Celebrate New Home

On January 16th Columbia Southern University (CSU) employees, public officials, and local business leaders will celebrate the grand opening of the school’s new 67,000 square foot Orange Beach home. The event begins at 9 a.m. with remarks from CSU President Robert Mayes, City of Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon, Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce President Mark Berson, and South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce President Donna Watts. Tours and refreshments will also be offered.

Construction began in December 2007 on a 20 acre plot of land purchased in Orange Beach, Alabama. The additional acreage provides future expansion opportunities without forcing CSU to relocate. CSU will occupy the first two floors by January 2009 and once the third floor is completed, 360 work stations and 65 offices will be available. The facility features a training room, conference rooms, break rooms, fitness center, balconies, shipping and mailing area with a loading dock, and more.

“This new facility demonstrates our commitment to quality student service,” said CSU President Robert Mayes. “As we continue to grow, additional staff and faculty support are essential for ensuring student success.”

With a record enrollment of more than 16,000 students and at least 25,000 expected by 2010, CSU quickly outgrew its previous 17,000 square foot building. This year, CSU surpassed more than 200 employees forcing in-house faculty and staff to occupy additional facilities in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. The new building will be large enough to house all CSU departments with further room for growth.

White-Spunner Construction President Mike Fitzgerald, Congressman Jo Bonner’s District Representative Bryan Parker, Liberty Church Pastor Buford Lipscomb and representatives from both the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce are scheduled to attend.

Constructed by White-Spunner Construction, Inc., the new building is located two miles south of County Road 12, just off the Foley Beach Express and north of The Columns at Orange Beach Apartments. The grand opening celebration is open to the public. For more information or to view the new construction photo gallery, please call 1-800-977-8449 or visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/events/new_building/.

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