University of the District of Columbia Hosts Natatorium Grand Opening
WASHINGTON, DC – The University of the District of Columbia hosted its Natatorium Grand Opening on Monday, November 26th, 2012, highlighted by guest remarks by President Dr. Allen L. Sessoms, Vice President Barbara Jumper and Director of Athletics, Patricia Thomas as well as a ribbon-cutting to conclude the ceremony.
"We want to be here for our neighbors. We want to be a part of their lives, and [the opening of the Natatorium] is a major piece of that," Dr. Sessoms said. "The idea is to transform the University of the District of Columbia into a place that everybody wants to be a part of, and what's nice is that [this facility] is for everybody in the community. I'm delighted that our students, our faculty and staff, and our neighbors will have the chance to swim and participate in programs at one of the finest aquatic facilities on the East Coast."
Jumper thanked her team for its dedication and the community for its patience throughout the renovation and went on to say that she is very happy the project is finished.
"This project started over two years ago, and while it would have been my preference that we get this done a long time ago, we wanted to make sure we did it absolutely right," Jumper said. "And so we took the time that was needed to make this project the flagship project of the campus. We're very thrilled the project has come to its completion – the work certainly speaks for itself, and we would just like to encourage everyone to come and take advantage of it."
Director of Athletics, Patricia Thomas thanked several people and organizations including: the University of the District of Columbia Board of Trustees, President Sessoms, Vice President Jumper, Bowie Gridley Architects, Counsilman-Hunsaker, Project Manager Alan Walsh, Surinder Khanna, FEI Construction, Paddock Pools, Aloha Pool, Associate Director of Athletics for Internal Operations, Mike Riley, and Aquatics Director, Lauren Fuchs.
"This is just a wonderful occasion, and I am extremely proud of the University of the District of Columbia and what we've been able to accomplish," Thomas said.
Nearly 100 people gathered as school administrators announced the highly-anticipated opening of the school's brand new, state-of-the-art facility which includes a 25-yard pool with six lanes, a separate diving well with two 1-meter diving boards, a spectator grandstand, offices and locker rooms. All in attendance were invited to tour the facility at the end of the ceremony.
For membership information, hours of operation, rules, regulations and other information, please visit http://www.udcfirebirds.com/information/CampusRec/aquatics.