Rowan officials, students break ground on $30M addition to Chamberlain Student Center

Shovels in hand, Rowan University officials and students joined together on May 2 to break ground on a $30 million addition to the Chamberlain Student Center.

In what was part of a spirited “Goodbye, Back Patio” celebration organized by the Student Center & Campus Activities, Rowan President Ali A. Houshmand, Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students Kevin Koett, Vice President for Facilities, Planning and Operations Joe Campbell, Board of Trustees members Barbara Chamberlain and Thomas Gallia, and Rowan Student Government Association representatives Matthew Beck (president) and Paige Bathurst (president-elect) turned over the dirt for the 28,500-square-foot addition.

Expected to be complete in fall of 2023, the addition will provide facilities for meetings, events, offices and services to accommodate Rowan’s growing student body. The addition also will include essential technology and amenities, large indoor spaces for collaboration, public events and activities, and a redesigned outdoor plaza.

The structure is modeled after a Greek “agora,” a public open space used for gatherings, meetings and collaboration. The outdoor area will have a plaza and terrace, while the indoor floor plan includes an amphitheater.

Built in 1974, the Chamberlain Student Center is the heart of Rowan’s Glassboro campus, serving as a focal point for student activities, meetings, celebrations and student and faculty engagement, noted, Koett, who served as master of ceremonies for the groundbreaking.

Nearly 50 years ago, the student center was designed to serve Rowan’s 6,000 students. That’s about a quarter of the current student body, Koett added.

In his remarks, Beck said the student center is a beloved building on campus, a true home for students.

“It’s a place of comfort, a building that’s integral to the Rowan experience,” Beck said. “I’m excited and proud to know that it’s expanding, just as our University is expanding.

“The extra space will give students more opportunities to meet each other, share big ideas, work on important projects, and connect in genuine ways. Additionally, it will add to the beauty of our campus, which seems to get more beautiful every day.”

The student center is named for the late Mark M. Chamberlain, Rowan’s fourth president. Chamberlain was known for his extraordinary student advocacy.

Rowan’s Division of Facilities, Planning & Operations is overseeing the project planning and development in collaboration with design consultants ikon.5.architects and general contractor Newport Construction.