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Outdoor Education
Center Dedicated
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Pictured
(left to right): Dr. Richard Bothel, Dana Powell, Dr. Diane Jones,
Dr. Roger Brown, Chancellor Allen Meadors, Tommy Thompson and
Dane Onorio.
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UNC Pembroke's new
Outdoor Education Center was dedicated this week. University officials
said it would benefit the campus and the community in many ways.
A "ropes course"
and 50-foot climbing wall will be completed in March at the site, located
at the old arboretum north of the softball field. The Health and Physical
Education Department will manage the project.
The cost of the
project is $98,700 and was paid for by a grant obtained from the U.S.
Department of Labor through the Lumber River Council of Governments
(COG).
Heading up the project
were Physical Education Instructor Denise Renfrow, Women's Tennis Coach
Robyn Langley and Scott Haith, a graduate assistant. Ottis Murray, a
grant writer for the Office of Sponsored Research, Sylvia Pate, director
of the Regional Center and Associate Vice Chancellor for Outreach Richard
Bothel worked with COG on the funding.
The Student Government
Association (SGA) chipped in a $500 gift and Physical Plant prepared
the site for construction.
A ropes course is
designed to build teamwork, problem-solving skills and self-esteem.
Diverse community groups such as Communities in School, Juvenile Services
and Upward Bound have expressed interest in the center.
"The beauty
of the course is you can make it as challenging as you want," Ms.
Renfrow said.
Other uses possible
for the wooded site include fitness trails, camping sites and other
outdoor activities and instruction.
Chancellor Meadors
praised all involved for their teamwork.
"Any project
that happens has to have people who take the lead," he said. "This
is a wonderful addition to campus."
SGA President Dane
Onorio summed up the feeling on campus.
"I am graduating
in May, but this makes me wish I were a freshman all over again,"
he said.
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