Coming Together at Hadlock Student Center

Reported by Bianca Tarsia

Over the course of the summer, many students came together to prepare for the opening of the Hadlock Student Center (HSC), George Fox University’s (GFU) new 48,000 square foot space designated for athletics, clubs and other school activities.

        The new building is nestled between the Canyon Commons and the Hobson-Macy-Sutton living area. With most students previously only able to use the 41-year old Wheeler Sports Center, students welcomed the more modern addition of the HSC.      

The grand opening of the HSC took place on Wednesday, September 19th. Students were finally able to see the long-awaited project complete after an entire school year and summer of construction that went into making the building for the student body.

“Everything from the lockers, to the specific exercise equipment, to the basketballs and volleyballs, to the ropes on the climbing wall were all picked out for the recreation and enjoyment of the student body,” said Emma Jorgensen, the rock wall coordinator for the center.

Prior to the construction of the HSC, athletics, clubs and other student activities were sporadically placed around campus. Now, activities at GFU are much more centralized.

During the few months before the school year, students were at work to make sure that this center would be a positive experience for all.

“My staff and I read books on route setting, conceptualized the operations for how the space should function, and really dove into dreaming about what we wanted the culture and atmosphere of the space to be,” said Jorgensen.

There has been significant emphasis placed on the openness of the new building, making sure that GFU’s “Be Known” motto rings true.

“It is not only a place for people to be active but to create relationships and find their place with other people. There is a place for everyone in the HSC,” said Intramural Coordinator Jordan Caddel.

The HSC’s regular hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays 6 a.m.-11 p.m., Fridays 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sundays 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Students must have their ID card to access the HSC, but once inside, have a wealth of activities to choose from.