LAKELAND (Aug. 11, 2009) - Several hundred alumni and friends of Florida Southern joined college faculty, staff, and students today in dedicating Nicholas Hall, the second residence hall in the Barnett Residential Life Center.

"These marvelous residence halls, designed by America's foremost architect, Robert A.M. Stern, have set a new standard in the living-learning experience for Florida Southern students, who are passionately preparing to achieve their varied and rich dreams," said Dr. Anne Kerr, FSC president.

The Barnett Residential Life Center, a national model for student residential living, was fully funded through a transformational gift from FSC alumni Carol Jenkins Barnett '79 and Barney Barnett '65 and Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc. The Barnetts named the two residence halls in honor of their sons, Wesley and Nicholas. The Barnett family helped Dr. Kerr, Dr. Stern, and a number of college and city officials cut the ribbon on the new building.

Carol Barnett said, "It's a great celebration to honor our two boys and to continue the legacy that their parents and grandparents have left in this community. We want them to see that it's important to give not until it hurts, but until it feels good."

With 37,510 square feet, four-story Nicholas Hall will house 120 students in 74 rooms and feature magnificent views of Lake Hollingsworth. Nicholas Hall's custom details include ironwork designed by Stern at the grand stairway and fourth-floor balcony, "Big Bang" pendant lighting fixtures by the avant-garde designer Enrico Franzolini, and Stern-designed Crossville Tile in all bathrooms.

"It is very fitting that Carol and Barney have named these buildings for their sons - in whom they have such pride and hope for bright futures - because these buildings will house our students, whose parents share their parental pride in their own sons and daughters and who also believe in the dreams of this generation and in the generations of Florida Southern students that will follow," Dr. Kerr said.

Following the dedication ceremony, guests enjoyed tours of Nicholas Hall followed by a picnic lunch on the green.