Groundbreaking nears for multicultural center

A new era for Kansas University’s Multicultural Resource Center is about to begin.

KU officials on Monday are expected to break ground on the $2.7 million Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center, a 7,000-square-foot facility that will stand adjacent to the Kansas Union.

“I think MRC can do bigger and better things,” said Robert Page, KU director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “A new facility helps foster that.”

The center currently operates out of a 2,470-square-foot military annex behind Summerfield Hall.

The center has grown in recent years. In the 1999-2000 year, the center received about 500 visits. That number had climbed to about 7,500 in 2004-05, said Santos Nunez, the center’s program director.

And the center’s staff members hope to do even more with the new facility.

Page said they hope to improve its function as an academic support unit. Other goals include reaching more students, increasing tutoring programs and adding classes and programs, he said.

The groundbreaking is set for 4:30 p.m. Monday at the future site of the building, just north of the Kansas Union along Jayhawk Boulevard.

The center will be paid for with $200,000 in university funds, $1.5 million in student fees and $1 million from the Sabatini family, which includes KU alumnus Frank Sabatini.