EGSC hosts JAM Center expansion ribbon cutting

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East Georgia State College held a ribbon cutting for the Jean Anderson Morgan Student Activities Center Expansion Project on Thursday, October 8, 2020. Local and state leaders were in attendance, as well as a limited number of community members, EGSC students, faculty and staff to remain within social distancing guidelines.

The event began with Dr. Bob Boehmer, President of EGSC, welcoming the guests to the college.

“This new space for student activities and organizations is not just bricks and mortar. It provides expanded opportunities for East Georgia State College’s amazing students to engage with faculty, staff, and one another to learn, to graduate and then to give back to this great region,” said Dr. Boehmer.

After welcoming guests to the event, students Megan and Morgan Bryant sang God Bless America. Swainsboro Mayor Charles Schwabe spoke next about the time and effort that was placed into building the expansion to the JAM Center.

“This event today is a clear validation of the fact that this institution has adjusted to the conditions we have today and is still moving forward. On behalf of this community, I want to say we are so proud to claim East Georgia as part of this community and we are proud of the progress it continues to make,” said Schwabe.

Regent Everette Kennedy, who serves on the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents for the twelfth district, spoke to attendees about how the student center will benefit the students of EGSC.

“On behalf of the Board of Regents, we are excited to share in the success of and see the student center expansion completed. This ribbon cutting ceremony represents the success East Georgia State College has experienced and the hard work and dedication of many people,” said Regent Kennedy. 

The expansion project, which began in 2018, was completed over the past summer and has added approximately 15,000 square feet to the existing facility. The new addition has provided much-needed student activity space, including a large multi-purpose room, digital gaming, larger game room, offices and a meeting room for the Student Government Association, Student Publication offices, and Student Life administrative space. The existing portion of the JAM Center was repurposed for a larger College Bookstore, as well as open computing space and student group study nodes.

Dr. Steve Wrigley, the 13th Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, was also at the event to help EGSC celebrate. Chancellor Wrigley said the real reason for this special building is for students.

“That’s why this exists. We don’t do it just because we can and to brag about it. In the end, the whole point of facilities is to teach students and give them a place to carry out leadership functions and SGA meetings and all the things students need to do,” said Wrigley.

Senator Billy Hickman, Congressman Burns, and Representative Butch Parrish were also in attendance at the event.

Due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, a limited number of attendees were on site for the ceremony. To watch the ceremony, visit http://www.ega.edu/2020JAMRibbonCutting.