Student-inspired facility, bolstered with a $5 million gift from Bill and Kathy Pou, is designed for connection, collaboration and a growing University
Mercer University provided on Sept. 1 a public first look at renderings of its new student life center, a landmark student-led Building for Bears project designed to support the University’s continued growth while creating a modern hub for student life, engagement and community on its Macon campus.
The unveiling took place during a press conference featuring Mercer University President Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D., leadership from DLR Group and Sheridan Construction and Mercer students who helped shape the vision for the project.
The project comes as Mercer continues to experience significant growth and record enrollment. Through surveys, focus groups and listening sessions, students played a central role in identifying the need for a new student life center and guiding its design.
“As Mercer continues to welcome more students than ever before, it is essential that we evolve to meet their needs alongside our growth,” said Elkins. “What makes this project especially meaningful is that it was shaped by the students who will use it. Their voices helped guide our vision from the start, ensuring this student-centered destination — a living room in the heart of campus — will reflect their needs and aspirations while fostering community, connection and belonging for generations to come.”
The new student life center will replace Connell, the former center, which was demolished earlier this summer. Designed for today’s students and tomorrow’s needs, the new, elevated student life center will feature flexible gathering spaces, opportunities for collaboration and modern amenities that support student organizations, leadership development and campus programming.
“From the beginning, this project was rooted in listening,” said Clayton Daspit, AIA, LEED AP, principal and design leader with DLR Group. “Students shared how they wanted to gather, collaborate and connect, further reflecting Mercer’s unique culture and commitment to putting the student first.”
“Our 50-year partnership with Mercer spans many important milestones across the University’s campuses, so it’s an honor to help bring this vision to life,” said Christy Kovac, president and CEO of Sheridan Construction. “It’s been exciting to watch Mercer continue to evolve and grow while remaining true to the values that have defined the University for nearly two centuries.”
“We feel heard,” said Mercer student Sara Yarahmadi. “We were highly encouraged to create the vision for the new student life center, and that’s what makes Mercer special. Students aren’t just part of the conversation. We’re at the center of it.”
In addition to the rendering reveal, Elkins announced a $5 million gift from Bill and Kathy Pou to create the Bill and Kathy Pou Plaza. Upon the new student life center’s opening, the adjacent entertainment plaza will feature an outdoor movie theater among other features where students, the community, and Mercer friends and fans can gather to cheer on the Bears, watch movies and socialize.
“I have no doubt that the Bill and Kathy Pou Plaza will quickly become a social hot spot and ‘the place to be,’ where countless friendships, milestones and Mercer memories are made. We are so grateful to Bill and Kathy for their generosity and for helping to create a space that will bring people together,” said Elkins.
The new student life center is slated to open in fall 2028.
