SW Mississippi News

Alcorn senior D’Marius Jones invited to a press briefing at the White House

Alcorn State University will celebrate the opening of one of its newest campus buildings later this month.

The University will host the Dr. Rudolph Waters Sr. Classroom Building Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, March 31, at 11 a.m. The building will be the home to the University’s School of Business. A reception will follow the event.

President Felecia M. Nave, Ph.D. acknowledged the hard work of completing the new building.

“The University has worked diligently to complete this significant project, so we’re elated to celebrate the official opening of this structure,” said Nave. “We thank and appreciate the Mississippi legislature and Miss. Institutions of Higher Learning for the funding and support in constructing the building as well as the Miss. Bureau of Building of Bureau, Grounds and Real Property Management for project management.” 

The building’s namesake, Dr. Rudolph E. Waters Sr., was born in Brookhaven, Miss., in 1932. He obtained a B.S.C. degree from DePaul University, an Ed.M. degree from Boston University, and a Ph.D. from Kansas State University, in addition to studying at Southern Illinois University. Waters was dedicated to serving the Alcorn State University Foundation, Inc. for over 41 years in various capacities, including treasurer, secretary, and chairman of the Always Alcorn Annual Fund Campaign. Upon retirement in 2005, he established the Dr. Rudolph E. Waters Sr. Endowment to support financially needy students at Alcorn. Waters was involved in several professional organizations, including serving as chairman of the State Accreditation Commission of Mississippi from 1979-1981 and as president of Phi Delta Kappa from 1991-1993.

“Dr. Rudolph E. Waters Sr. dedicated over four decades of his life to Alcorn State University, advocating for its students and programs,” said Nave. His commitment to education and philanthropy make him a prime candidate for a building to be named after him, ensuring his legacy lives on for generations to come.”

The state-of-the-art facility spans over 38,000 square feet and boasts cutting-edge features such as a stock ticker and a simulated trading room. The facility also includes an auditorium with a seating capacity of 400, lecture halls, classrooms, computer labs, and faculty offices. Additionally, there are dedicated innovation and collaboration spaces incorporated into the design of the new structure.

The construction project began in 2019, and it was carried out by Flagstar Construction, while the architectural firm responsible for the design is Allred Stolarski Architects.

“We’re excited to offer such an innovative building to our campus, and we can’t wait for our business students, faculty, and staff to experience the finished product. Adding this resource is consistent with our mission of providing the best for our campus community, said Nave.”

Original source can be found here.