Boise State University will formally begin construction this month on a new $40 million Honors College and First-Year Residence Hall. A groundbreaking celebration will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 7 at the site, 2338 W. University Drive, across the street from the Student Union Building.
BSU President Bob Kustra, Honors College Dean Andrew Finstuen, and representatives of campus partner EdR Collegiate Housing will join students and others attending the event.
“Our new Honors College home reflects the commitment Boise State is making to the highest academic quality and will accommodate the fast-growing number of academically accomplished and talented students in the college,” Kustra said, following approval by the State Board of Education last August.
When complete in fall 2017, the new building will be an Honors-dedicated living and learning facility, combining housing for Honors and other students with dining facilities, classrooms and spaces designed to boost the student experience on campus, BSU officials said.
The 236,000-square-foot building will offer 656 student beds and help accommodate growth in applications and enrollment in Boise State’s Honors College over the last three years. This year alone saw a 50 percent increase in Honors College applications, and the number of Honors College students has grown to nearly 600, officials said.
Thursday’s groundbreaking will be followed by “Bronco Day” on Saturday, April 9. At then event, Boise State is expected to welcome hundreds of prospective students and their families to what’s being called “the biggest Bronco open house of the year.”
