Already gaining notice as one of the most architecturally attractive buildings on campus, the new California State University, Stanislaus Bookstore will be celebrated with a grand opening from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 30.
Prizes such as book scholarship certificates and T-shirts will be given away during drawings each half hour, a number of store items will be on sale, and refreshments will be served. CSU Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani will join other University officials and executives from current contractor Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. in front of the building. Refreshments will be served.
“As California State University, Stanislaus begins celebrating 50 years of higher education excellence, it is a perfect time to dedicate such an impressive new facility,” President Hamid Shirvani said. “The University takes great pride in this building in which people can enjoy the experience and wonderful atmosphere.”
The $5.6 million facility, located next to the Student Union complex and the first separate building for the bookstore in the nearly 50-year history of the University, features an impressive architectural design with an octagonal entry tower and basilican form. Lead architect Thomas Gordon Smith is a recognized international leader in contemporary developments of classical architecture. The bookstore entryway includes sculptor Andrew Wilson Smith’s marble herms of ancient Greek poets side by side with images of California authors, celebrating literary connections between ancient Greece and California.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers has participated in the design of the project and made a significant financial contribution toward the design and construction of the building as a welcoming knowledge center that will serve the campus community for years to come.
“We are delighted to join with Cal State Stanislaus in celebrating the grand opening of this beautiful, new bookstore,” said Barnes & Noble President Max Roberts. “For Barnes & Noble, this store is far more than a physical structure. It is a testament to the 20-year partnership between Barnes & Noble and California State University, Stanislaus, and it speaks to our commitment to help the University in its mission to engage every member of the campus in expanding their intellectual, creative, and social horizons.”
www.csustan.edu/bookstore/