The 29,115 square-foot facility is designed to welcome prospective students and their families to A&M-Commerce.
COMMERCE, TX, Sept. 19, 2024—Texas A&M University-Commerce celebrated a major milestone on Wednesday, September 18, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Student Services Building and Welcome Center. Dubbed the university’s “front door,” the 29,115 square-foot facility is designed to welcome prospective students and their families to A&M-Commerce while highlighting the university’s many resources and opportunities.
The building is located at the university’s main entrance on Highway 24. Construction began in January 2023 and was completed in August 2024 by contractors Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Company.
The ceremony
Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony featured special guest speakers Sarah Butler, regional director representing U.S. Senator John Cornyn; Natalie Steinsholt, deputy district director representing U.S. Congressman Keith Self; Roxanne Turner, district liaison representing Texas House Representative Jill Dutton; and Estefania Olivas, president of the Student Government Association for A&M-Commerce.
Kicking off the event, University President Mark Rudin expressed pride in the newly completed facility. “I can’t tell you how proud I am, not only of this building but for everything it stands for. It enables us to really showcase our university in the best and most positive way possible,” he said.
Following Rudin’s remarks, Steinsholt delivered a letter on behalf of Congressman Self, who praised the new center. “The addition of this facility will undoubtedly foster a welcoming environment for prospective students and further enrich the campus community. I commend your vision and leadership in making this project a reality as it reflects the forward-thinking spirit of Texas A&M-Commerce,” he wrote.
Next, Turner added a special touch to the event by presenting Dr. Rudin with a Texas flag that had previously flown over the Texas Capitol building in Austin—a meaningful symbol of pride and connection to the state.
To bring the ceremony to a close, Vice-President of Enrollment Management Nechell Bonds reflected on the exciting possibilities the Welcome Center will create. “We are most excited about the opportunity to connect with our future Lions in a modern new way,” she said. “Representing the best of who we are as an institution that transforms lives, we can’t wait to hear the roar of our visiting future Lions and their families as we welcome them into the Pride.”
Extending the metaphor of the Welcome Center as the university’s “front door,” Bonds ended by distributing key replicas to each guest. “We are presenting each of you with your very own key, but there is one condition…,” she added. “You will share your key by inviting more guests to visit, to stay awhile, and to make themselves at home.”
Special guests
In addition to the guest speakers, special visitors at the ribbon cutting included:
- Isaiah Vance, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advising, The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS)
- Don Montgomery, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Brett Cumpton, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Jeffery Herring, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Brett McCully, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Michael Campbell, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Reese DeWoody, District Director for Texas Senator Brian Hughes
- Mayor Teddy Reel, City of Commerce
- Former A&M-Commerce President Keith McFarland and Nancy McFarland
Designed to engage
Following the ceremony, guests toured the facility and experienced the Welcome Center’s ability to bring the Lion spirit to life. Every detail throughout the first-floor gallery area is designed to engage, inspire, and inform, immersing potential students and their families in the spirit and pride of A&M-Commerce. The space offers hands-on experiences that showcase what it means to be a Lion.
One of the gallery’s standout features is a collection of six Engagement Pillars. Each pillar represents one of the university’s colleges. Digital displays on the front of the pillars showcase videos highlighting each college, and hidden lockers behind the pillars contain hands-on activities and artifacts. For instance, the College of Science and Engineering pillar houses a 3D printer that creates miniature lion heads.
Next to the pillars, the Social Tower features a ring of display screens that highlight student life at A&M-Commerce. The videos showcase everything from campus events to student organizations, giving prospective students a glimpse into the vibrant community they could soon join.
Another key feature is the interactive Fernandes Family Scholars’ Wall, which honors alumni Sandra and Gary Fernandes, who generously committed more than $2 million to A&M-Commerce. Mr. and Mrs. Fernandes’ gifts include the establishment of the first $1 million scholarship fund for first-generation students, along with an additional $200,000 to create and produce engaging content for the Fernandes Family Scholars’ Wall. The wall includes a dynamic screen where students can scroll through donor-funded scholarships available to them. Next to the screen, the “Lion Inside” display spotlights current students whose lives have been transformed by donor-funded scholarships. Each profile includes a QR code leading to videos of students sharing their educational journeys, which will help prospective students envision their path as future Lions.
The gallery also features a button station where visitors can create custom flair to commemorate events like Mane Event and Admitted Student Day. It’s a fun, interactive way to introduce new Lions to the A&M-Commerce spirit. Surrounding the gallery, several glass-walled huddle rooms offer comfortable meeting spaces where prospective students and families can sit, relax, and discuss their futures at A&M-Commerce.
On the gallery’s south side, the Presentation Theater is where prospective students can learn about A&M-Commerce. Dynamic presentations will showcase A&M-Commerce’s academic programs, student life, facilities and more. The room can be opened to the gallery for larger events, creating a seamless space for receptions and other gatherings.
Supporting student success
Beyond the Welcome Center gallery, the building will also house several student support services to ensure success at every stage of the student journey:
- The Office of Undergraduate Admissions recruits and admits prospective students, hosting events and promoting the university across the region.
- The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships helps students fund their future. The team helps future Lions access quality education at A&M-Commerce, which offers some of the most competitive tuition rates in Texas.
- New Student and Family Programming helps new students smoothly transition to the university, fostering connections and introducing campus resources.
- The Office of the Registrar manages academic records, registration and graduation services.
- For military-affiliated students, the Office of Veterans and Military Services builds and maintains a community with individuals who have served in the U.S. military to support a seamless transition from military to civilian college life.
Inspiring future lions
With its modern amenities and student-centered focus, the new Student Services Building and Welcome Center will inspire future Lions and create a positive first impression of the university. Whether through interactive exhibits or personalized guidance, this facility will ensure that every visitor walks away with a sense of what it means to be part of the Lion family.
