by: Chris Thomas
Director of Marketing and Communications, Daytona State College
Before an audience of more than 200 students, faculty, staff and community members, Daytona State College officials cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the completion of the new student residence on May 5. Located on the Daytona Beach campus, the four-story, 252-bed facility is opening its doors to the first-ever DSC residents on campus this summer. The residence was designed to be an affordable option available to all students, including those receiving financial aid and scholarships.
“Today marks the end of a chapter in the life of our college and the beginning of a new one, with new ideas, hopes and dreams for the future,” said Dr. Tom LoBasso, President of DSC. “The impact this facility will have on the life of our campus will be unmistakable. At this time when everyone wants to be online, the dorm will help strengthen the relationship between faculty and students. This will strengthen the bonds with our future graduates and create a positive feedback loop which, in turn, will make us stronger.
Campus infrastructure is in place for a full college residential experience and includes amenities such as a dining hall with meal plans, fitness center, swimming pool, and recreation areas. Student accommodation is expected to increase student retention, as support services such as tutoring, library, writing center, academic support center and career services are all within walking distance of the establishment.
“We were confident that many of our students, including local students, would want to benefit from a residential experience,” said Dr. Randy Howard, DSC District Board Chair. “Living in the heart of this campus where they can fully immerse themselves in their educational experience – close to the faculty, recreation facilities, our wonderful student center and our library – is just one more example of how whose Daytona State meets the needs of our students at the forefront of everything we do.
The largest percentage of incoming residents come from Volusia, Flagler, Seminole, Orange, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Other states represented are New York, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, Colorado and Texas, and international students will come from Japan, UK, Netherlands, France, Bahamas, Brazil , Spain and Australia.
“We are a community dedicated to lifting each other up on our journeys to success, celebrating our diversity, and creating an unforgettable college experience,” said Adrianne Toles-Williams, President of the SGA. “The student residence does more than just a college campus, it will make Daytona State College at Daytona Beach a home.”
