By Marc R. Masferrer, University Communications and Marketing
A ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new Student Center and Atala Residence
Hall at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee has been rescheduled for
10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19.
The event, originally scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6, was postponed because of severe
weather conditions and the effects of Hurricane Debby on the region.
Atala Hall will be home to 200 students when it opens on Aug. 23.
“The safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors on our campuses is our highest priority, and we believe this decision is in the best interest of all involved. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding,” the office of USF President Rhea Law said in a statement.
The six-story, 100,000-square-foot building marks the first major expansion of the
Sarasota-Manatee campus since it opened at its current location on U.S. 41 across
from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in 2006.
The student center on the first two floors is comprised of a ballroom, a bookstore,
dining facilities, a game room and study lounges, as well as offices and meeting rooms
for USF World, student government and other student organizations.
Atala Hall, located on the top four floors of the building, is the campus’s first
residence hall.
On Aug. 23, 200 students will start moving into suites and apartments of various configurations,
many offering views of Sarasota Bay.
The residence hall is named after the atala, a rare tropical butterfly that frequents
the campus’s landscaping.