The Barnett Family (from left to right) Nicholas Barnett, Sarah and Wesley Barnett, and Carol Jenkins Barnett and Barney Barnett join FSC president Dr. Anne Kerr and John Rodda, president of Rodda Construction, Inc. in a ribbon cutting ceremony dedicating Wesley Hall, the first of two new residence halls in the Barnett Residential Life Center.
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LAKELAND, Fla. (May 22, 2008) — Florida Southern College held a dedication ceremony on May 22 for Wesley Hall, the first of two new student residences at the Barnett Residential Life Center overlooking Lake Hollingsworth.

The Center is funded by FSC alumni Carol ’79 and Barney Barnett ’65 and Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc. The Barnetts and members of their family were present at the ceremony, including sons Nicholas and Wesley, the latter for whom the building is named. The celebratory occasion was held in conjunction with the College’s spring Board of Trustees meetings. The formal dedication program was followed by tours of Wesley Hall.

“Today, Florida Southern College launches a new era in the residential life experiences of its students,” said FSC president Dr. Anne B. Kerr. “The Barnett Residential Life Center, with its state-of-the-art amenities and revolutionary design, will become the standard for student living and learning spaces throughout the nation. We are truly inspired by Carol and Barney Barnett’s vision to transform students’ lives through this magnificent complex.”

The Residential Life Center replaces the 50-year-old Panhellenic complex. Designed by internationally acclaimed Robert A.M. Stern Architects of New York, the Center will provide bedrooms with views to Lake Hollingsworth, meeting rooms, student lounges, kitchens, study areas, a technology center and a theater. Wesley Hall is ready for occupancy this fall. Construction on the second building, to be named for Nicholas Barnett, is scheduled to begin this summer.