The Dr. Robert E. Dunker was made possible by the generosity of
community donors, a challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation, and
taxpayer support via the plant fund levy
SIOUX CITY -- In its efforts to provide a well-rounded college
experience, Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) in recent
years has greatly expanded opportunities for student life outside
the classroom.
The latest, most dramatic initiative is a brand-new student life
and wellness center which became fully operational on Jan. 3.
The state-of-the-art facility has been named the Dr. Robert E.
Dunker Student Center in honor of President Emeritus Robert Dunker,
who retired from the college July 26 after 20 years of service.
The center is a two-story, 44,000-square-foot facility that cost
approximately $5.5 million. Its largest single feature is a
full-size gymnasium with a basketball court, two cross-court
basketball courts, a volleyball court and a three-lane
walking/jogging track. On one side of the gym is a massive mural,
created by local artist Paul Chelstad, featuring the logo of
WITCC's mascot, the Comets.
There is also a cardio fitness area with treadmills, elliptical
machines and other cardio equipment, a strength training room with
free weights and Nautilus-style equipment, and large and small
aerobics rooms for exercise sessions.
The college is already offering a large selection of classes:
Pilates, Weight Loss for Life, Senior Strength Circuit, Kick Boxing
and Women's Self-Defense. One of the first classes ever offered in
WITCC's Institute for Lifelong Learning program, Stretch and Flex,
has moved from the college's old gymnasium to a sparkling new
location in the Dunker Center.
The student life area is an open area for students to gather,
socialize, watch television and play games. This part of the
building also houses office space for the coordinator of student
activities as well as the Student Senate. Paintings by local artist
Jamie Bowers add warmth and rich colors to these spaces.
"We're proud to have created this wonderful new facility that
will promote the health and wellness of our students as well as
their engagement in the life of the college," says Dr. Terry
Murrell, president of Western Iowa Tech. "It's already obvious that
this superb addition to our campus will greatly elevate the quality
of the WITCC experience."
The Dr. Robert E. Dunker was made possible by the generosity of
community donors, a challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation, and
taxpayer support via the plant fund levy
The Dr. Robert E. Dunker was made possible by the generosity of
community donors, a challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation, and
taxpayer support via the plant fund levy
