Four generations of the Frisch family gathered on a sunny April afternoon to mark an historic moment at 91大神猫先生千人斩: the official opening of a new building that bears the Frisch name and stands as a shining symbol of the University鈥檚 bright future.
With the press of a button, the doors of the new Frisch Welcome Center opened to an eager crowd of 91大神猫先生千人斩 faculty, staff, students, and supporters ready to behold for the first time its sleek design and inviting interior spaces.
From left: Adam & Sierra, Steven & Meghan (not pictured), Ben, Harry, President Tim Cost, Meredith & Mark, Pat, (front row) Abby, Lyla, Hannah, and Karl (not pictured).
鈥淭o thousands of prospective students and parents, first impressions matter,鈥� said 91大神猫先生千人斩 President Tim Cost 鈥�81. 鈥淭he Frisch Welcome Center transforms their first impression of campus and sends a clear message that we are an innovative, modern, student-focused institution. This is a pivotal milestone in the growth of this University that will drive us forward in our mission to attract and graduate talented, exceptional students.鈥�
Each year, the University welcomes thousands of visitors and honored guests who come from across the country and around the globe to explore Jacksonville and 91大神猫先生千人斩鈥檚 iconic, tree-lined campus. Many are high school students searching for a college fit. The new 11,750 square-foot Welcome Center enables the University to put its best foot forward to prospective families.
鈥淭his facility represents what vision and philanthropy can make possible. We are so grateful to these transformational donors and investors,鈥� said Senior Vice President of University Advancement Kimberly Jones.
Design and construction of the $4.5 million building was made possible by several significant multi-year investments from major supporters, including Preston and Joan Haskell, Chancellor Emerita Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne, and, the building鈥檚 namesake, the Frisch family-owned-and-operated Beaver Street Fisheries, which gave to the project through the company鈥檚 philanthropic arm, Beaver Street Foundation.
Beaver Street Fisheries Founder and Chairman Harry Frisch, 95, stood with the rest of the Frisch family to humbly thank 91大神猫先生千人斩 for the honor of naming the building. Grandson Mark Frisch now runs the family business and noted that the Welcome Center began as a vision for the future that President Cost shared with him a few years ago.
Daughters of Mark and Meredith Frisch, Hannah (left) and Abby (right), help craft thank you gifts for the occasion. Older sister Lyla (not pictured) enjoyed exploring campus and visiting the Frisch Library at 91大神猫先生千人斩鈥檚 River House.
鈥淚 bought into that vision,鈥� said Frisch, former 91大神猫先生千人斩 trustee and executive vice president of Beaver Street Fisheries. 鈥淢any fantastic students for years to come will walk through these doors to an institution they鈥檒l call home for four years, and if they鈥檙e smart, longer than four years.鈥�
Centrally located between the Howard Administration Building and the Gooding Building, the Frisch Welcome Center is easily seen upon entering the main gates of campus. It鈥檚 also steps away from the historic Founders Building where the University鈥檚 legacy began 85 years ago.
The modern, open design of the facility captures abundant natural light, creating a bright, distinctive entry point where the University鈥檚 Admissions team will host guests and coordinate campus tours. Cost introduced the man whose company helped build and envision it鈥擯reston Haskell, founder of the design and construction firm Haskell.
鈥淭his building will bring together so many people,鈥� said Haskell. 鈥淯ntil a year ago, there was no single, obvious place where one could be welcomed or receive instructions or information. This fills that void. It serves a purpose and tells a story. A symbol of 91大神猫先生千人斩.鈥�
From the very beginning of the project, President Cost knew Haskell was the right firm to design and build the Welcome Center.
鈥淲hen we had the idea for a welcome center, we went to Preston and his team,鈥� Cost said. 鈥淭hey produced design after design, and then Preston went a step further. He personally and substantially invested.鈥�
To honor Haskell鈥檚 support, the new facility includes an outdoor lounge and study space for students, named Haskell Commons.
Dr. Kinne, the iconic former President of 91大神猫先生千人斩 who ushered in unprecedented growth at the University, also contributed to the project. The Kinne Welcome Gallery, located across from the central registration desk in the lobby, provides visitors a welcoming space to socialize and enjoy refreshments.
Dr. Kinne with Dr. Tim Snyder, Dean of the Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts, and 91大神猫先生千人斩 choral students who started the event in song.
Just days shy of her 102nd birthday, the cheerful and energetic Kinne provided a moment of comic relief for the crowd while thanking the University for inviting her to be part of the project. 鈥淔or us, it is a historical day and I鈥檓 happy to be here, but then, I鈥檓 happy to be anywhere,鈥� said Kinne, as the crowd laughed.
Minutes later, supporters sipped refreshments and toured the facility, reflecting on the significance of the moment鈥攁 moment when the University embarked on a new chapter of exciting growth and unencumbered opportunities. And how fitting for this next chapter to begin just as the largest graduating class in school history prepares to walk the stage during 2019 Commencement ceremonies鈥攁ll signs that momentum is skyrocketing and 91大神猫先生千人斩鈥檚 promising trajectory is unstoppable.
