13 Improvements at Florida Tech in the Last 13 Years

We're taking a look at 13 improvements made at Florida Tech in the last 13 years, both physically on the campus and in other ways. Olin Physical Science building The Olin Physical Science building was built in 2005, becoming a state-of-the-art building dedicated to science, labs and research. The Olin Observatory and 0.8-m telescope was added in 2008, thanks to a grant from The National Science Foundation, and it now serves as the primary research instrument used by students and faculty in astronomy. Scott Center for Autism Treatment The Scott Center for Autism Treatment was built in 2009, and since then, it has grown into one of the Space Coast’s most prestigious centers for autism research, training and treatment. Families with children of autism now come from around the world to receive the most advanced treatment available. The growth of sports In 2002, Florida Tech had 10 varsity sports, and now that number has grown to 22, including the addition of Football, swimming, rowing and others. The campus community has evolved into a diverse population of students, featuring students in all areas of interest. Improvements of arts and humanities In 2011, Florida Tech expanded its interests in arts and humanities by opening the Foosaner Art Museum in the Eau Gallie Arts District, which hosts many events, like the French Film Festivals. Not only are there more clubs dedicated to liberal arts and multimedia at Florida Tech, but there are frequent concerts throughout the year, artists in residence that record albums at WFIT, and summer camps for children in the community, like Florida Tech’s School of Rock. Panther Dining Hall Panther Dining Hall opened in the Spring of 2011. Before dining at PDH, students would eat in the building of Evans Hall. PDH is a buffet-style cafeteria and it features a monthly international cuisine series during the fall and spring semesters. Panther Aquatic Center In June 2011, the Panther Aquatic Center opened to students, faculty, staff and alumni. It’s now home to men’s and women’s swimming competitions, as well as to the public. It's a 32,000 square foot facility, with a competition pool that features 25-yard lanes, as a well as a recreation pool. Harris Commons Harris Commons was finished in 2012, adding another quality facility to the campus. The building now houses several parts of administration as well as the School of Psychology. Student Union Building Over the past decade, there have been many improvements made to the SUB and Crawford buildings, including new door technology that locks automatically, preventing theft and lockdown issues, as well as renovations to update the buildings. Student Design Center Harris Corporation donated a generous $1 million for the construction of the Student Design Center, which will students have more access to machinery and labs during the designing and building processes of their senior design projects. These projects are showcased every year at the Northrop Grumman Student Design Showcase. Evans Hall With the opening of Panther Dining Hall, Evans Hall was dedicated to the student body, where student organizations and groups gather to study and play. The Student Government’s office is located on the first floor of the building, and students can come to Evans at any time to meet, use the computer lab, or take classes in some of the updated classrooms. Varsity Training Center for athletics The Varsity Training Center is located next to the Intramural Practice Field, and it’s a place for Varsity Athletes of football, cheerleading, golf, women's lacrosse, women's rowing, softball, women's soccer, and track & field to gather and train intensively. WFIT WFIT moved from Roberts Hall to an updated, state-of-the-art facility next to Gleason Performing Arts Center. WFIT’s new location has several recording room, space for modern equipment, and space for offices as well as storage, which are huge improvements allowing WFIT’s services to expand and grow for the Space Coast. Passersby can hear the current shows and see broadcasting or artist recordings in action through the windows as they walk past the building. Expansion of residence halls The expansion and improvements of residence halls, like Harris and Southgate dorms, and increased student enrollment go hand-in-hand. Nevertheless, more residence halls means more on-campus students, which makes for a better quality of life and involvement in campus life.

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