📰From the Vault: Origins of the Center
October 1987, Vol 10, No 1: Regents Approve Construction of Scandinavian Center
Pacific Lutheran University’s Board of Regents has approved the hiring of an architect to design a 6700 square foot Scandinavian Center, to be located on the ground level of the University Center.
At their October 11 1-3 meeting the Regents endorsed the site, a currently undeveloped area directly below the PLU bookstore. The preliminary cost estimate for the Center, designed to serve both the community and the University, is in the $500,000 range.
Over $380,000 in gifts has already been generated by the Scandinavian Cultural Council, a 21-member volunteer organization, which works in concert with the PLU Development Office. Council members represent Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish interests.
“We deeply appreciate the support of the Board of Regents and the Scandinavian community,” said Dr. Ray Tobiason, Chairman of the Scandinavian Cultural Council, which was founded in 1980. “A Scandinavian Center on a campus steeped in Nordic traditions will be a fitting tribute to Washington State’s Centennial and to PLU’s 100 years of service (1890-1990).”
Development of the University Center site will greatly expand the facilities for the mutual benefit of the Scandinavian community and the University. The joint-used Center will include a concert/lecture hall, kitchen, exhibition space, and craft, meeting and reading rooms. Banquets, language camps, trade conferences, and cooking classes will be housed in a facility rimmed with Scandinavian artifacts and art objects.
“As we pass the two-thirds juncture in our fund drive, there are still opportunities for individuals and families who cherish their heritage to honor or memorialize loved ones in the Center,” stated Tobiason. “Gifts in the $2,000-and-up range will be acknowledged on an honor wall citing the donor families. Gifts in the $25,00-plus plateau will name rooms. All gifts, regardless of size, will be recognized in an immigrant family album.”
Timetable for the Scandinavian Center: Selection of an architect is imminent. Architectural Drawings could be ready by March 1, 1988, with construction to begin by May 1. Dedication is tentatively set for December, 1988.
“Excitement is rapidly building as we see dreams become reality,” said Tobiason.