Work begins on new Truman State BSU

Work begins on new Truman State BSU

By Staff

October 18, 2005

KIRKSVILLE– The Baptist Student Union (BSU) at Truman State University broke ground Oct. 8 on its new ministry center, ONE 10, that is named for its address, 110 W. Normal St.

Gene Austin, campus minister for the BSU, said the capital campaign is about $180,000 shy of completing the facility debt free. Another phase of fundraising is about to be launched even as contractors endeavor to do as much as they possibly can before the snow starts to fall.

“They’re hoping to start work on the foundation the first week of November,” Austin said. “They said there’s a possibility it will be done at the beginning of May.”

Among those on hand to help celebrate the groundbreaking were Roy Spannagel, associate executive director, Missouri Baptist Convention, and Bill Smathers, director of missions, Macon, North Central, North Missouri Baptist Association, Kirksville. About 100 students, alumni and friends of the BSU turned out for the event.

The BSU has been operating in cramped quarters for awhile on the campus of 6,000 students. The new building will feature an auditorium that can seat about 400 in rows as well as a large entryway with a coffeehouse.

“Everybody’s known it’s been a need for a long time,” Austin said.