June 5, 2003

Columbus State University hosted official grand opening ceremonies in June for the university's new Center for Commerce and Technology.

Ribbon cutting at the 96,000-square-foot facility featured many local dignitarires. Also included in the ceremony was the annual announcement of the Abbott Turner College of Business Alumnus of the Year -- made this year to Troy Woods of TSYS -- and an announcement that the university's Department of Computer Science will be named in honor of TSYS for the company's years of support and cooperation with the university.

The Center for Commerce and Technology is the new home to the Abbott Turner College of Business and the computer science department. The combination of these outstanding academic departments in one building will create a synergy between the business and computer curriculums, giving students exposure to both fields, as encouraged by the corporate world, said CSU President Frank Brown.

Also in the building is the university's Computer Information Networking Services. Moving the three technologically demanding units into one facility meant the building had to be extremely sophisticated and versatile enough to handle possible future upgrades. With raised flooring for easy access to utilities and wiring for 1,500 computers, CSU Plant Operations Director Eddie Woodhouse said the $16 million building met the challenge and already is a template for future university system buildings.

Other features include:

Student lounge areas on all floors, with Internet connections Four theatre-style classrooms outfitted with the latest technology, including-rear-screen projectors; audio-visual control panels for professors and power, voice, and data ports at each seat for students
A 106-seat auditorium
Twelve, 40-seat classrooms