The 70,000 square foot facility, designed by Charles Rose Architects, Inc. out of Somerville, Mass., is overflowing with features from a multi-level campus dining area – with indoor and outdoor seating – to a 500-person capacity multipurpose room. Complete with state-of-the-art conference rooms, meeting areas, a multi-cultural center, and offices for The U's Student Government Association and Student Activities Center, the new facility also has a new Barnes and Noble Campus Bookstore that opened last month.

"You could say this new facility is, in fact, a learning laboratory," described Jeff Baylor, associate vice president for enrollment and student services at USD. "Linked to our library and at the heart of our campus, we know this building will attract students, faculty, administrators and guests."

The building, named in honor of former USD Foundation President Theodore (Ted) Muenster and his wife, Karen, is equipped to accommodate several student social events with an outdoor entertainment area, a second floor terrace for informal gatherings, and multiple commons and lounge areas. Additionally, more than a dozen high-definition TVs located throughout the building, including six, 63-inch televisions, will provide visitors with several entertainment options. If that isn’t enough, visitors can find their favorite snacks inside the center’s convenience store while they pore over an entire menu of coffee beverages at U. Brew.

"I think students, faculty and staff are going to be thrilled with the new building," added Genevieve Evans Taylor, director of the Muenster University Center. "It's a beautiful facility."

Financial support for the Muenster University Center was provided by student fees, donations from University partners Barnes and Noble Booksellers and Aramark (a professional services company), and private donations, including a $5 million gift from the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation. Campaign South Dakota, a decade-long USD Foundation endeavor that raised more than $133 million for scholarships, faculty support and campus improvement projects also contributed to the construction of the facility. Hours of operation for the Muenster University Center are: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

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