Although the Student Government Association has decided to take a supportive stance in favor of the recreational center, not every member is in agreement with the action taken.
When deciding whether or not to take a stance on the recreational center, four members voted against doing so. Once the six other senators won the vote to take a stance, it was then decided that the SGA would support the center.
Several members of the senate had varying opinions.
“As a political organization, I feel as though we (SGA) are not obligated to take a stance,” senator Jana Stewart, mass communication sophomore from Houma, said. Jana explained that she felt it would have been better for the SGA to remain neutral.
On the other hand, senator Michael Childs is a full-fledged, outright supporter of the center.
“We are the only school in the Louisiana system without one,” he said. “The rec center will provide a place to work out on days the athletes are in the gym. Xavier University just passed their rec center referendum. Even private schools are starting to build rec centers.”
“People always look at the negative side of things,” he added. “The rec center will provide over 50 student jobs. Nicholls is the last to get everything, so we have to catch up with every other university. The rec center is a start. If people just look out for the future of Nicholls this school will progress and move up several levels.”
Other non-voting officers have varying opinions. President Alcie Maxwell agreed with Stewart.
“I felt it would have been better to remain neutral,” said Maxwell. “However, the senate has the vote. I couldn’t vote on the matter.”
This summer residential services took many student employees to view the University of New Orleans’ recreational center.
“It’s a nice facility and it would be great to work out on campus,” said Kristen Davidson, marine biology freshman from Benton. “I support the center if it can be built before I leave. However, if it is built after I graduate, I live so far away it wouldn’t matter,” said Davidson.
The visit to UNO had a changing effect on Dawanne Eugene, chemistry junior from New Orleans.
“I think the center was absolutely wonderful, and Nicholls really needs one,” she said. “I supported the center the first time, but I thought $75 was expensive. After I saw UNO’s, I think it’s really worth it.”
For those who are unaware, the two-story recreational center will consist of the following: a three court gymnasium, two multipurpose rooms for aerobic and dance classes, a weight training room, a cardio fitness room, an elevated jogging track and two racquetball courts. The center will also contain locker rooms, a health bar and a lobby area.
Voting on the recreational center will take place on Sept. 24-25.