Oct. 5, 2012

For Immediate release

For more information, contact WSC Director of Marketing Kayla Retzer at 774-4222

WSC to host grand opening of Learning Commons Oct. 11

WILLISTON, N.D. - Williston State College is pleased to announce that it will host the grand opening of the new Learning Commons in Stevens Hall, the main building on campus, at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11. A short ceremony as well as a technology demonstration is planned. There will be giveaways, light refreshments, and a drawing for an internet-capable tablet. The public is invited to attend.

The Learning Commons, formerly the library, is located on the second floor of Stevens Hall. It was renovated over the past several months, creating an environment and space which is conducive to studying and researching.

"We have taken all of our content - books, magazines, digital content, electronic content - and we've put it all under what we call the Learning Commons. We have basically reinvigorated what was the traditional library," explained WSC President Dr. Raymond Nadolny. "We have provided an environment which becomes almost the center of the campus. Our students can come in to this area and explore books, magazines, journals, new technology, etc. It really has become the heart of knowledge in our college campus."

Available for students are the latest technologies, which they can work with and use, in an environment that is not only functional, but comfortable. There are sofas by the fireplace, tables with chairs where students can work in groups, and a countertop outfitted with new technologies.

"We have the new Kindle, a new iPad, a new iPod Touch," Nadolny said. "We also have a small device that allows an infrared keyboard to be projected on the table and is used by tapping it. Our students will now have the opportunity to see new technology coming out and to explore how it is used and how it can benefit their educational experience."

Times are changing and through the creation of a Learning Commons, WSC is moving forward in its efforts to be a place where learning is keeping pace with technological advances.