USI expanded the Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center now open
AUGUST 28, 2024
Image copyright: USI Photography and Multimedia
FOOTNOTE: The University of Southern Indiana debuted a $16 million expansion of its Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center (RFWC) on Tuesday, August 27, hosting a ribbon cutting and open house, featuring remarks from Steve Bridges, Interim President; Christine Waterman, USI Deaconess Clinic Clinical Practice Manager, Dr. Robin Sanabria, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services; and Sam Preston, Director of Public Safety.
Attendees were invited to explore the new office spaces for Recreation, Fitness and Wellness, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Public Safety, Religious Life, Student Wellness, USI Deaconess Clinic and University Strategic Communication.
Some of the features of the renovated facility include an expanded footprint for the USI Deaconess Clinic (formerly the University Health Center), including separate waiting areas for employees and students; a meditation room and new office space for Religious Life; technology upgrades and a storm-safe dispatch room for Public Safety; soundproof offices and expanded space for CAPS; a new photography studio with dedicated video editing and sound bays for University Strategic Communication; a Quiet Lounge; expanded game room; a new front desk for the Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness area; and more.
Two new entrances at the building’s north and south ends better accommodate the natural flow of campus pedestrian traffic.
“Our University community is thrilled to see the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center expansion come to life in the heart of campus,” says Bridges. “Consolidating a range of services in one location will provide students with the comprehensive care they need and deserve to thrive at USI and beyond.”
The 31,000-square-foot expansion and 10,000-square-feet of renovated space was funded through a 2019 legislative appropriation. The original building was constructed in 2001 and later expanded in 2009. In addition to the new areas, the building includes three multipurpose courts for basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and badminton; a strength and conditioning area with cardiovascular machines and free weight equipment; indoor walking/jogging track; a 33-foot-tall rock-climbing tower; group exercise rooms; showers and locker rooms.
FOOTNOTE: Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls nearly 9,300 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education and School of Graduate Studies. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at www.usi.edu.
