UF is Dedicated to Creating More Study Space

Check out my Letter to the Editor that ran in the Alligator today:

President Machen recently unveiled a plan to create more student study space on the first floor of Marston Science Library.  I could not be more supportive of this decision.  According to the Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) survey, UF students identify more study space as the biggest need at UF. 
 
The plan to add study space for nearly 700 students is a much needed improvement.  Student Government recognizes the need for more study space, and we are working to create even more study locations on campus.
 
One of my biggest priorities this semester is to secure funding to transform Newell Hall into a study space equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure to support the needs of students in the 21st century.  Newell Hall, when combined with the new plans for Marston, will increase student study space by 40 percent.
 
I will be working with External Affairs Chair, Abby Whiddon to lobby the state legislature in the upcoming session, but we are going to need some help.  We will need the entire student body to help us show the elected officials in Tallahassee that renovating Newell Hall is a project worth investing in.
 
Go Gators,
Christina Bonarrigo
UF Student Body President

Reitz Union Groundbreaking

On Saturday I participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Reitz Union renovation and expansion.  The new Reitz Union will open in 2015 and will have 100,000 sq. ft. of new space and 50,000 sq. ft. of renovated space from the current union.  Here is the transcript of the speech I gave at the ceremony:

Today's ground breaking ceremony is the culmination of nearly a decade of work and effort to update and expand our beloved Reitz Union to better accommodate the growth and success of our students. When the Reitz was built in the 1960's, it was designed to accommodate a student body of approximately 19,000. Today the student population at the University of Florida has more than doubled, and the Reitz sees thousands of people every day. The new Reitz building will be large enough to accommodate even more student organizations on campus, will be a central hub for student services and will have the entire technological infrastructure to ensure when our students leave this campus they will be better trained than their counterparts.

There are many people who have been responsible for bringing this plan to fruition.  First, I would like to recognize Chairman McKeel, his colleagues in the Florida House of Representatives, members of the Florida Senate, and Governor Scott.  Thanks to Chairman McKeel’s leadership and support, the Reitz will continue to be the vital core of our campus.  I would also like to thank President Machen and Vice President Kratzer.  Their tireless dedication to the students of our university shows why we have the most student friendly campus in this nation. Throughout the planning and design of the new facilities, both President Machen and General Kratzer kept the students as their main priority. Even when we were faced with obstacles, their leadership ensured that this project would go on and would be successful. We would not be standing here today if it was not for their leadership and dedication to see this building’s completion. Finally, I want to thank my predecessors and the work they did to help this university reach this milestone today.  Nearly a dozen Student Body Presidents have played a pivotal role in making this project a reality. While I am thrilled to be a part of this ceremony, I would be remiss if I did not recognize all of their contributions.

Today is an amazing day for all Gators. It was a long ride to get to where we are today and countless days spent in our State’s Capitol, but it makes today that much more significant. The new Reitz will embody what it truly means to be a Gator. From housing departments such as Center for Leadership and Service, Student Activities and Involvement, Multicultural and Diversity Affairs and Gator well, we will be able to accommodate all of our student’s needs to make them better leaders. Our Student Government Senate will have an official home on the first floor of the new Reitz named “Student Senate Chambers” and Student Government will have a design and print studio to empower our 1,000 student organizations to showcase their many talents. This new space will provide the foundation to develop future leaders for our great state and nation, and I know the impact this building will have for our students will be far greater than we could have ever imagined.

I am excited for the endless possibilities this building will provide our students and know it will be one of the reasons we become a Top 10 Public University Thank you again for coming here this morning and being part of history.

Go Gators and Beat the Vols!