The construction of the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, more popularly known as the Centennial Hall, is one of the major highlights of DLSU’s centennial celebration. With the centennial year coming to an end this month, students eagerly anticipate the opening of the 15-storey (now 14-storey) building.
But contrary to the initial plan, the building will not be open for the awaited conclusion of the year-long celebration. Instead, a blessing rite will be conducted on June 15.
Blueprint for the future
President and Chancellor, Br. Jun Erguiza FSC, states that the construction is “virtually finished”. He also adds that on the day of the blessing rite, only finishing touches on the building will be left undone. However, the expected date for the full completion of the building is still unknown.
The Centennial Hall, whose construction began on December 2010, is the first major structure built under the Centennial Renewal Plan. The latter is a long-term initiative to rationalize campus setup and to address the present and future needs of the University. The plan includes the retrofitting of St. La Salle Hall and the renovation of other facilities.
The building’s prominent feature is the Learning Commons, which will be considered as ‘an intellectual crossroad for university study.’ It will serve as the new site for the library, a place for official university activities, and a venue for group discussions.
The area will be accessible to the general public. They will be given the liberty to use the area’s facilities and collection of books and other learning materials. Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission and Alumni Relations, Br. Bernie Oca FSC, shares that the objective of the plan is to promote industry and academic linkages through interaction between researchers and students who seek learning and knowledge.
When asked about the security risks that the public’s access to the building may pose, Br. Bernie assures that security will be tightened in certain parts of the University.
The building boasts of large function rooms, multi-purpose rooms, discussion hubs, and indoor gardens. It will also be the new site for offices such as the University Registrar, which will soon be known as the Academic Services Hub. It is set to become an office where students may conduct various school-related transactions, while eliminating the need to go to other offices.
