ST. George — Nothing attracts college people like free food.
On Thursday night, a long line of students emerged from Utah Tech's dormitories and crawled along the sidewalk to the Institute of Religion in the southeast corner of campus.
Their purpose is to eat free food and celebrate the grand opening of a new (old) outdoor pavilion that has now been installed next to two new beach volleyball courts right next to the Institute building.
Chad Olson, director of Utah Tech's Religious Studies Institute, told St. George News, “The institute's only hope is to create a place where young people can come together for social purposes and build friendships. ” he said.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns and operates hundreds of religious institutes on college campuses across the country.
The church's relationship with Utah Tech goes back many years and to previous appearances of its name and mascot. That history was also reflected in the construction of a new courthouse and outdoor pavilion.
In the institute's parking lot, Olson pointed to a giant crane at the construction site for the so-called new GE building on campus next to the institute.
“The pavilion used to be there,” Olson said. “Originally the church gave that pavilion to Dixie at the time. So when they started building the GE building, they asked the Institute, 'Hey, do you want it back?' And we just thought, what a great gift. ”
Their idea was to relocate the pavilion next to the Institute to serve as a gathering place for students and provide the best possible experience for young people.
“So we took this pavilion and installed two new sand volleyball courts so the youth could play and build relationships and friendships with each other,” Olson said. said.
Olson didn't know exactly how long the pavilion has been on campus.
“It's been around for a long time, so it's fun to be able to eat this,” he said.
Thursday night's celebration was the culmination of months of hard work.
“It was a great effort,” Olson said. “We are grateful to Utah Tech and their willingness to work with us to deliver this pavilion. We are also grateful to the Seminary and Institute for being able to authorize a project like this. Thanks to the generous support of our leaders.”
Olson thanked the contractors who worked on the project, saying they did their best to ensure Thursday's celebration took place as scheduled.
“Most of the time, I'm thankful for these young people. A little bit of a break to be with them is enough for them to show up at the end of the semester,” Olson said. “It is amazing.”
About 2,500 to 2,600 youth move through the institute's buildings each week, Olson said.
“It's between classes, it's during club, it's during devotionals. We have a lot going on,” he said.
There are two chapels in the building, where young people also hold Sunday services.
“This is a multifunctional building,” Olson said.
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