Richmond's new student center, The Web, unveiled

Free T-shirts, a live disc jockey, a photo booth and painting drew students to the grand opening of "The Web," Richmond's new student center.

The opening took place from 4-6 p.m. on Friday.

Joey Greener, vice president of campus relations, welcomed students to The Web, where they enjoyed food and a variety of activities.

The first 200 people to arrive at the opening received free T-shirts. The shirts were pale blue with a web design and the slogan "Discover The Web."

Students painted pictures representing what Richmond meant to them, and the paintings will be hung in the student center.

"Students have been really involved in the decorating of the Web," senior Emma Florek said.

The Student Center was built for the sole purpose of providing people with a place to go, said Jake Feiler, president of Campus Activities Board (CAB). It will be a place to host comedians, have inspiring lectures and watch movies, he said.

Seniors Evan Harris and Taylor Michals thanked Alison Bartel-Keller, director of student activities and former director of Greek life, for her efforts in creating the center.

The ribbon cutting ceremony took place at 4:30. President Ayers and members of CAB participated in the ceremony.

Students were then invited to go inside and tour The Web. It features a kitchen, two meeting rooms and a larger event space that will be used for events, activities and meetings.

"I was surprised when I initially saw the space," senior Garrison Weaver said. "Seeing it come together has been fantastic."

Sophomore Mindy Godel would use the building to cook and for hosting CAB meetings, she said.

"I think that it's really impressive because it's not like any other space on campus," senior Alex Carrier said. "It adds a lot to the student life on campus."

Contact reporter Brooke Knetzger at brooke.knetzger@richmond.edu