Arkansas Tech University will formally dedicate its new student union facility, Baswell Techionery, during a ceremony in conjunction with Family Day celebrations on Saturday, Sept. 24.
The Baswell Techionery dedication ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on the courtyard outside the structure.
Col. Carl F. Baswell, a member of the Arkansas Tech Class of 1942, a 2009 inductee into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction and one of his alma mater’s most generous benefactors, will be the guest of honor.
The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony. The interior of the facility will be open to the public beginning at 2 p.m.
Family Day activities will continue with Party at the Plaza at 4 p.m. and a 6 p.m. football game between Arkansas Tech and West Alabama at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field.
“Col. Baswell has a deep and abiding love for Arkansas Tech,” said Jayne Jones, Arkansas Tech vice president for development. “He believes in the mission of the university, and his generous support of Arkansas Tech has allowed us to provide our students with opportunities they would not have otherwise realized.”
The student union is the second facility at Arkansas Tech named for Baswell. In 2007, Arkansas Tech dedicated Baswell Residence Hall.
Baswell Techionery is a 14,220-square foot, $4.4 million facility located on West O Street between Chambers Cafeteria and Nutt Residence Hall.
The building includes specialty dining options such as Chick-fil-A Express and Which Wich. There is a coffee shop, lounge areas for students to spend their free time and meeting spaces for student organizations.
In addition to the campus community, Baswell Techionery and its dining options are open to the general public each Monday through Saturday.
The name of the facility is a nod to Arkansas Tech history. The original Techionery opened in 1937 and served as the student union until 1959. Today, that building is home to the Arkansas Tech Museum. Photos from the 1940s and 1950s of students enjoying free time in the original Techionery are featured prominently in Baswell Techionery.
“There is no question that Baswell Techionery will become a popular gathering place on our campus for generations to come,” said Susie Nicholson, Arkansas Tech vice president for student services and university relations. “The large windows provide a beautiful view of campus, and the welcoming environment inside makes it the kind of place you want to spend time. Our students love it.”
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