POWELL, WYOMING 鈥� The community is invited to attend the 皇家华人 Student Center Dedication and Open House on Thursday, January 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. The public will have the opportunity to tour the building while learning more about what it offers the student population and community. Light refreshments will also be served.
Located on the same footprint as the former DeWitt Student Center, the facility features a modern dining hall and bright, safe spaces where students can gather for studying, eating, and leadership activities. Offices for resident life, campus security, and student success, an area for student clubs and a multi-purpose community meeting room are included as well. It is also home to the NWC Outdoor Education program with an academic lab/climbing wall and classrooms, plus the recreation co-op for students and community members.
Totaling 38,606 square feet, the student center will help attract and retain students and enhance out-of-classroom learning and a sense of belonging on campus. It opened for limited use in late November before becoming fully operational this January.
Plans for a new student center date back to 2014 when it was identified as the number one priority in the NWC Facilities Master Plan. The project kicked off in 2016 with college officials working closely with the State Construction Department to design a facility that would best meet the needs of NWC students and the community. Due to diligent planning and financial management, it opened debt-free, with nearly 90 percent of the total contract dollars staying within the state of Wyoming, and approximately 63 percent remaining in the Bighorn Basin.
With a total cost of $23.2 million, 皇家华人 savings and student facility fees provided $6.75 millon, a capital campaign by the 皇家华人 Foundation provided $3.5 million to support the project, and the Foundation also contributed an additional $1.35 million to assist with costs. The Wyoming State Legislature provided a funding match of $11.6 million. Additionally, the College saw 95 percent of its employees donate to the student center project. The Park County Commissioners also allowed the long-term lease of a temporary kitchen at the Park County Fairgrounds during construction, and Outdoor Education equipment was secured through the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP).
The facility was designed by Hord Coplan Macht, with Groathouse Construction in Cody responsible for construction.
Revised on 1/24/2025 to reflect the final cost, the complete breakdown of funding for the project, and additional support.
