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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—At the student center dedication ceremony in September, Mariana Monserrat Bringas-Acevedo, Western Student Association vice president, delivered the powerful speech excerpted below. Her words resonate with students across campus, who are thriving in this new hub of collaboration, connection and community.

I am honored to be here and want to thank all the organizers for inviting me to represent the student body and for putting on this fantastic event. Thank you, everybody, for being here in the dedication of this excellent new student center. 

In full transparency, when I was invited to speak, I was worried that anything I said would be redundant. I didn’t only want to restate the purpose of the student center, but I wanted to give more insight into the impact of its presence.

So I did some research and some fieldwork, and I noticed a few common themes: Like the student center is a place to gather. It is a staple of the student experience and a monument of continuous growth as an institution, but I couldn’t help but notice how the student center is always described as if it were just that: a place. “A place where” we can meet or gather. The reality is that these brand new facilities quickly became more than just “a place where.”

The new layout and facilities created a dynamic and vibrant open space that entices students to bring and share their beautiful energy, making the “space” come to life.

What I have noticed is that the facilities inspired such a connection among students that “the place where” turned into “the entity that” empowers, an entity that facilitates or guides, but, most importantly, an entity that has made the student center a safe and brave space for students to freely express themselves. One that boosts creativity, strengthens community and bolsters respect.

The vibrant student energy that brings our new building to life has timeless effects felt across generations. Energy is experienced differently by everyone. Alumni, for example, experience their return full of nostalgia that can only be compared to when you see an old childhood friend.

Yes, you know, “that” friend. The one you don’t remember when but they appeared one day, never left your side through the good and the could-have-been better. The friend that either directly or indirectly was part of a core memory or monumental occurrence in your life.

The student center does just that. From the very beginning, it has been there to guide you and hold your hand as you begin to experience your new journey, and, like any old friend, the student center will be waiting for the day of your return to reminisce on the good ol’ days.

The student center is not just a place; it is an entity that leaves its mark on anyone who crosses its doors. It is a place that will always be dear to all students in a unique way. And I can’t wait to see what the future and students hold for our new student center. ■