By Alora Peters, Editor-in-Chief
After numerous delays, pushbacks, promises, hopes, and disappointments, Saint Leo University’s new Wellness Center is set for a grand opening to the public… eventually.
“We are currently planning for a late February, early March opening,” said Dr. Melanie Storms, senior vice president, who has been helping to oversee the construction of the new building.
Since the project’s inception, the Wellness Center has experienced multiple delays in its opening; in the past academic year alone, the opening has been pushed back three times from its original opening date.
Currently, the University is waiting on completion of a well that will provide water to the new building.
“The well must be fully operational for us to obtain our final certificate of occupancy,” said Storms. “At this point, piping is nearing completion. Once all required water testing is complete, we will be able to apply for our certificate.”
Earlier completion of the well was prevented due to COVID-19-related supply chain delays. This is not the first time that supply chain issues affected the construction of the Wellness Center: The Lions’ Pride reported in November that several mandatory parts—such as a gate for the pool deck—had not been received due to shipping delays.
Despite the repeated pushbacks of the building’s opening, the Saint Leo community continues to be optimistic about the Wellness Center.
“Good things come to those who wait,” said Fr. Randall Meissen, the University Chaplain. “The Wellness Center is a very exciting and good thing; it’s a big upgrade.”
University Campus students have, for the most part, remained patient and supportive in the face of the delays.
“Even though I didn’t benefit last semester, I realize it’s for a common goal that will eventually benefit the community,” said Chrisalyn Junkert, a senior majoring in mathematics.
“I understand the school is under an immense amount of pressure,” added Adam Keselicka, a junior majoring in criminal justice.
Nevertheless, the situation is frustrating for students—especially upperclassmen—who will have an increasingly limited window of time in which to enjoy the Wellness Center.
“Am I angry? No,” said Junkert. “But it does border on unprofessional. It’s like they’re dangling the carrot in front of us.”
For now, seniors like Junkert can only wait and hope that the Wellness Center opens in time for them to utilize the new building before graduation.
The Wellness Center is being constructed on the West side of Saint Leo’s University Campus overlooking Lake Jovita and will feature a variety of new resources dedicated to promoting students’ wellbeing, including a new health center, a counseling center, exercise equipment, an infinity pool and deck, a café, classrooms and offices, and more.
