Kennesaw State University continued its climb to national prominence with the official dedication of the Dr. Betty L. Siegel Student Recreation and Activities Center Sept. 10.The second floor of the state of the art recreation center was abuzz with the sound of many voices, as individuals arrived to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by Dr. Betty L. Siegel during her 25 years of service as President of KSU.
Former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue was one of the guests in attendance. He took a moment to appreciate the clean design of the building, the rows of top-notch workout equipment, and special features including the 47-foot rock climbing wall and indoor swimming pool.
“This is a gorgeous building,” he said, “obviously in honor of a spectacular individual, a leader who was here for a number of years and really matured Kennesaw State into a world-class university.”
Given Siegel’s influence on KSU, it is fitting that such a game-changing building bears her name in its title. The center is the result of collaboration between the students and the university, and its opening was eagerly awaited by both the campus and the community.
“It’s something that this university has needed for a long time,” President Daniel S. Papp said, “and we’ve now got it, so it’s absolutely wonderful to the community. It’s a key component of keeping students well rounded. It’s a key component of attracting students. It’s a key component of retention of students.”
Dean of Student Success Michael Sanseviro continued the discussion about the center’s effect on the lives of students and the college experience as a whole.
“It’s not just about the life inside the classroom, but really the life outside the classroom that’s equally important to the overall holistic experience that students want to have,” Sanseviro said. “This is one of those facilities that is so critical to that out of class experience.”
At the crackling of the microphone, the conversation in the room quieted, and all eyes turned to the podium. Dr. Ken Harmon, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, welcomed everyone to the dedication, and began the first of a procession of speeches that honored the contributions of Siegel.
The esteemed speakers included Dr. K.C. White, Vice President of Student Affairs; Nels Peterson, the Student Government Association President from 2000-2001; Aaron Roberson, the current SGA President; Jo Ann Chitty, Chair of the KSU Foundation; President Daniel Papp, Dr. David Siegel and Dr. Michael Siegel, sons of Dr. Siegel; Dr. Betty L. Siegel herself; and Dr. Joel Siegel.
Every presentation clearly illustrated the admiration that each speaker held for Siegel, and the effect that she has had on KSU and its development. The speakers highlighted her courage, strength, and zeal for the students.
Humor was one of the key elements affectionately used to portray the character of Siegel. President Papp paid tribute to Dr. Siegel’s signature red-framed glasses by donning an oversized pink pair of his own, much to the delight of the room. Jo Ann Chitty used a bobble head doll to illustrate how, during her time as President of KSU, Siegel had the power to make anyone bob their head yes, in response to her courage of conviction.
When Siegel took the stage, the energy in the room shifted. With her red-framed glasses, yellow and black sweater, and a sparkle in her eyes, she riveted the audience with the story of her journey as KSU’s President. She told the room what it means to be a leader, and how proud she is of KSU’s mission. Finally, she commented on the value of the center to the campus.
“It’s making a difference by talking about values, not about money, not about prestige, but of how you deal with others, and that’s what I think Kennesaw is about,” Siegel said. “We can do the students no greater service than to set a space in this center, and elsewhere on this campus, where they can go to reflect, to ask themselves these important questions, to meditate on matters of the spirit, as well as matters of the world.”
When the speeches had reached their conclusion, Papp, Siegel, and Roberson joined together to cut the ribbon for the center. Amid the sound of cheers and the flash of cameras, the center was officially dedicated.
Her husband, Dr. Joel Siegel, best sums up Siegel’s effect on everyone at KSU. “When she’s around us, she makes us feel important. She makes us feel kind of special.”