New USCB student center officially opens on south campus

Pumpkin burgers, orange-glazed chicken, apple cider pork loin, roasted butternut squash and green bean amandine. Spaghetti and meatballs, pepperoni pizza, chicken tenders and a salad bar.

"They have everything," freshman Paul Miller said of the dining hall and Campus Center that opened at the University of South Carolina Beaufort's south campus this fall.

USCB Chancellor Jane Upshaw and University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides joined students, faculty and members of the community Friday to celebrate the grand opening of the 26,000-square-foot Campus Center.

The $7.5 million building boasts a fitness center, meeting rooms, university offices and a bookstore, in addition to the dining hall. A student lounge is outfitted with a pool table, pingpong table and Nintendo Wii.

Pastides called the Campus Center, which is open to the public, the next step for USCB as it transforms into a full-service, four-year university. The school was approved to grant baccalaureate degrees in 2004.

"It's a warm and welcoming space for the USCB family to relax, to have a bite to eat and to talk civilly," he said.

Student Government Association President Rachel Sopp announced the name of the dining hall before Friday's ribbon-cutting. Students suggestedand voted on names, searching for something fun but timeless, she said.

They chose The Sand Bar.

"We are the Sand Sharks, and this is ours," Sopp said.

Student Chelsia Hopkins said she eats two or three meals at The Sand Bar every day. She said it's hard to resist eating a slice of pepperoni pizza with meals, so she's glad the fitness center is near her student housing.

"It's a hop, skip and a jump to get out here," she said. "After we get done stuffing our faces, we can come out here and work it off."

Freshman Amy Williams also said she eats most of the her meals on campus.

"The cafeteria ladies, they know my name," she said.

Williams said although The Sand Bar stays busy during lunch and dinner, many students are missing out on what she thinks is the best meal offered -- breakfast. She said the made-to-order omelet bar makes waking up before 10 a.m. worthwhile.

"College students just don't know there are mornings," she said.

The dining hall offers a variety of fruits and vegetables, pasta, sandwiches and ethnic food, but students say they are glad it also offers traditional cafeteria comfort foods.

"They know how to make some tater tots," freshman Caroline McElveen said.