Pierce students leave a legacy

Tana Hasart / for Pierce College Puyallup

What does it take to leave a legacy, something of value that will benefit others? This month, students at Pierce College Puyallup will realize the making of a legacy through the opening of their new Health Education Center (HEC).

Work on the HEC began in May 2003 when a group of dedicated student leaders initiated a ballot measure for a general student vote. This vote authorized the collection of student fees for a period of 20 years. Those fees would in turn be used to construct and support initial operations of a 16,600 square-foot health and wellness facility. Based on successful passage of the ballot measure, design of the facility and its respective programming was completed by the winter of 2008.

This facility brings new possibilities to the Pierce Puyallup campus. Prior to its construction, students either needing or wanting to take fitness classes commuted to Pierce’s Fort Steilacoom campus or used local fitness centers. Scheduling conflicts and the availability of options made this a challenge for many enrollees.

Using a collaborative approach, the new HEC provides fitness options and also expands course availability in the areas of health, nutrition, and wellness. The facility will also afford Pierce College employees an opportunity to participate in activities that lead to healthy lifestyle choices.

While the first audiences to benefit from the HEC are Pierce students and employees, the general public will also have access through both credit and non-credit classes. The Pierce College class schedule (www.pierce.ctc.edu/schedule/) features a wide range of health, wellness, and fitness options.

So to Karri Stevens, Phil Nufer, and Ryan Campbell, students who initiated and led their peers in support of this new expansion of college student life, my hat’s off to you. You have left a wonderful legacy that will benefit the college and its community for many years to come.