2016 is finally here, and along with it comes a rather high set of expectations to be exceeded that were not in place before. Starting out as a humble junior college, I have seen the university grow at a rapid rate, and in turn, the amount of newsworthy events increases each year. However, the top five stories listed below were considered to be the most newsworthy. With 2015 moving quickly behind us, it’s only natural to wonder what this next year has in store for KSU. Of course there will only be one inaugural football season, but the team played like it was their fifth. The accomplishments made this year only further demonstrate the incredible passion of the students and staff located here at KSU.
5. KSU celebrates its 100,000th Graduate
On July 30, Biology major Laura Pyronneau received the 100,000th diploma in KSU history, according to a KSU news release. 22-year-old Pyronneau received a framed certificate of her unique standing in the pool of over 1,200 additional alumni who also graduated that semester. After serving as a mentor in the Odyssey Peer Mentoring Program, she went on to study abroad in Columbia and is now planning to attend pharmacy school.
4. The Opening of a Permanent Site in Italy
In June, KSU recently established its first permanent educational institution outside of the United States. Located in a historic 13th century fortress in Montepulciano, Italy, the University is now capable of conducting year-round academic programs there. KSU occupies the second floor of the building where six classrooms are located alongside an apartment, meeting rooms, and numerous offices. The first floor is occupied by a winery, and the university has confirmed a 25-year lease.
3. The Betty L. Siegel Recreation Center is Completed
After a year of much expected anticipation, the Betty L. Siegel Student Recreation Center was finally opened to the public. The $38.7 million project was named after the university’s second and longest serving president, Dr. Betty Siegel, according to a KSU news release. Dr. Siegel was president from 1981 to 2006, and was the state of Georgia’s first female university president. The 176,000 square foot facility stands as a testament to the amount of effort Dr. Siegel has invested into this university.
2. The Inaugural Football Season
The Owls managed to win a noteworthy, 6-5 inaugural season under head coach, Brian Bohannon. Despite the five losses this season, Kennesaw State is only the third FCS team since 2008 to have a winning season in its first year, according to ksuowls.com. Yet, the team has no sign of slowing down. Spring practice for the Owls begins again on February 29 with the second Black & Gold game being played on March 26 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
1. The Consolidation
The merge between KSU and Southern Polytechnic State University has made the school one of the top 50 largest public universities in the country. A KSU news release states that the consolidation had a combined impact of $1.2 billion. The university is now home to almost 40,000 students (but unfortunately not 40,000 parking spots) and 6,000 new employees. President Daniel S. Papp, recently referred to the growth by quoting hits from the 70’s rock group, Bachman Turner Overdrive in saying, “For years, KSU and SPSU have been ‘Taking Care of Business,’ but believe me, ‘You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet!’”
