What started as one building in 1957 is now a thriving campus of some 90 facilities on 340 acres, serving more than 27,000 students and 2,800 faculty and staff. Today, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas community is breaking ground on two important additions to campus- the new Moyer Student Union and Student Recreation Center.

The projects represent a $91 million commitment towards better meeting the needs of the student body at UNLV, with state-of-the-art facilities that are bold and modern in design.

"Both of these buildings are important symbols of the university's commitment to students," said UNLV president Carol C. Harter. "Our plans for the new student union and student recreation center are built in partnership with the students of today and tomorrow. We at UNLV are focused on our students and have put them first in our decision-making and planning."

Harter added that she is looking forward to the impact these facilities will have on the lives of students. "These marvelous new facilities provide a wonderful place for students to gather and socialize," she said. "Moreover, they will support students as they engage in leadership development, student government meetings, service learning opportunities, intramural competitions, and a variety of other activities to strengthen both the mind and body."

<strong>Meeting the Needs of Students- Today and Tomorrow</strong>

University leaders have long known that the existing Donald C. Moyer Student Union (1968) and the Paul B. McDermott Physical Education Complex (1975) are no longer able to accommodate a student body of more than 27,000. The new facilities being constructed on the growing Las Vegas campus will add nearly 320,000 square feet of program and recreation space for students (see enclosed fact sheets for specific building information).

"This is a significant achievement for UNLV students," said Rebecca Mills, vice president for student life. "Because both buildings are being funded by revenue from student fees, the students have actively participated in the entire planning process and provided important feedback by evaluating what amenities are most important to them," she said. Involvement even goes as far as student committees giving advice on the selection of color schemes and furnishings for both new buildings. "It's encouraging to see students take ownership in such an important moment for UNLV," said Mills.

Construction of the new Moyer Student Union will consist of two phases, the first opening to students in summer 2006 with final completion by summer 2007. The Student Recreation Center will be completed in late 2006. For more info rmation, including artist renderings and floor plans, visit <a href="http://studentlife.unlv.edu">http://studentlife.unlv.edu</a> .