Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--During April 8 public activities at Mississippi State, student and university officials will break ground on a new park-like gathering area to be known as "The Junction."
Ceremonies beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the west side of Lloyd-Ricks Hall will feature remarks by retiring President Charles Lee, as well as Jon David Cole of Brandon, past president of the MSU Student Association, and officials of the MSU Bulldog Club.
"This was a student-inspired concept, including the name of the area," Lee said.
Formally a confluence of several often-congested streets, its name is a word play on "Malfunction Junction," the informal name many gave the traffic crossroads.
When completed in August, the landscaped area will include a large plaza with raised planters, brick walkways and an expansive turf area. A large fountain also is planned.
The Junction, which will be anchored by Davis Wade Stadium and the new Barnes & Noble bookstore and University Welcome Center, is expected to become the focal point of a more-pedestrian-friendly central campus. Construction already is under way to link it by paved walkways and green space to the university's other manicured "lawn," the historic Drill Field.
"We envision this as an outdoor commons for those who study and work at Mississippi State, as well as a significant gathering spot for visitors and alumni," Lee said.