Page 18 - Laker Connection Fall 2009

131,000 square foot building that serves many purposes, but perhaps is most recognized as a central gathering spot for students. With an enrollment of more than 6,000 students each semes- ter since fall 2005, we strategized to meet these students needs and to work together to serve our community better.
Over the last couple of years we have worked hard to give Clayton State a better opportunity to engage students -- which has meant several venues of campus expansion. A December 2007 ribbon cutting ceremony officially wel- comed Clayton State University – Fayette. The fall 2008 semester was marked by dedicating three new build- ings as well as an open–air amphithe- ater. Laker Hall, the University’s first on-campus housing building, welcomed in-coming freshman. The Student Activ- ities Center opened to give all students a new fitness center, as well as many other activity spaces and a ballroom. The new School of Business building opened, inaugurating Clayton State’s first entirely academic building this cen-
Left: Student Activities Center dedication, Laker Hall dedication Below: Harden presents alumnus James M. (Jim) Baker with a framed artist’s rendering of the James M. Baker University Center during the building’s 2004 naming ceremony.
tury. The open-air amphitheater was named in a November ceremony – the Judge Eugene Lawson Amphitheater and the L. Jerry Eskew Stage. This space has since its dedication hosted many concerts and events. It is also im- portant to note Clayton State’s first building and land acquisition... in June 2008, Clayton State purchased the At- lanta Bible College, situated just east of the main campus. I be-
lieve this purchase will prove very beneficial.
Aside from all the
campus and academic
growth over the years,
Clayton State is really
about the people.
Clayton State is the
friendliest campus.
The faculty, staff, and
students are open and
supportive. I am proud
of this campus. It has
been the most positive
climate I have been a
part of. Cathy and I al-
ways made the point to
attend as many student events as pos- sible. It was a good experience for us as well helping to support the campus.
I have been touched by the warmth and response to my departure, and I am fortunate to have been a part of Clayton State University for nine years. I hope to see a continued increase in the quality and focus on education. I hope for the future to see continued support for one another, to achieve goals and vision. The faculty and staff have shown such support over the years of strategic plans; I know they will lead Clayton State into a bold new fu- ture.
Dr. Thomas K. Harden served as Pres- ident of Clayton State for nine years, from July 2000 to June 2009, oversee- ing the largest era of growth in the Uni- versity’s history, including more than doubling undergraduate programs, the addition of graduate programs, and a 40 percent increase in enrollment.
Homecoming flap jacks
At a soccer game
School of Business Building dedication
14 THE LAKER CONNECTION
During the Harden years, Clayton State became the only university in the United States to be located adjacent to both state and national archives facilities. The Georgia Archives and the Southeast Regional branch of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) represent the first such model in the nation to combine both state and federal facilities.
HISTORY CLOSE TO HOME