The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Last night, Saint Louis University's Student Government Association discussed a proposal to renovate the Simon Recreation Center.

Senator Anne Nickson of the College of Public Service and Senator Chris Pingel representing Marguerite Hall and Notre Dame Hall gave a brief presentation outlining an addition to the rec center.

The addition would be built on the north side of the building where the statue is currently located. A large, glass semi-circle would expand the current weight area to approximately 6,500 square feet; a climbing wall is also in the plans.

"Looking from above, it does look like a good area to expand toward," Pingel said.

A review is still pending, however, that would determine the price, exact square footage and usefulness of the rec center addition. SGA plans to research other university rec centers, such as Marquette's, and will not continue with SLU's renovation plans if they are not right.

An exact price was not available, but Pingel and SGA President Cari Johns were able to give a broad estimate.

"What we're looking at is around $2 million, which is feasible this year," Johns said.

These funds, however, will not cover reparis to the rec center roof, and Johns was quick to note that the University would not be solely responsible for the cost of renovations.

"We need to think of ways to fund this - we can't interfere with fundraising for the research building," she said.

SGA is optimistic, however, and plans to get information from constituents and push the administration to move forward.

"If this is really what the students want, we need to be vocal," Johns said.

New business on this week's agenda included a proposal by Financial Vice President Joseph Cirillo for spot-funding for a SLU contingent of the Civil Air Patrol. Cirillo said that the CAP currently has "a skeleton of a funding budget" and suggested that the CAP receive $280 from SGA; they received $250, as SGA does not support reimbursement funding, which accounted for the other $30.

Paul Hayes, a second lieutenant, said that the CAP is a civil auxiliary branch of the United States Air Force. Divisions of the CAP include aerospace education, emergency services and a cadet program. SLU's branch would be an age 18+ unit, focusing on emergency services missions.

"We have a huge aerospace college - you can have some great possibilities," Hayes said.

The CAP is funded by SGA, not the Parks College. As a civilian group, membership is open to everyone; there is, however, a liaison office with the air force. There are national dues, as well as $67 senior dues for the state of Missouri. Members of the CAP pay for their own uniforms and must pay $57 an hour to rent planes and fly on their own. These costs would not be covered by SGA.

Executive Vice President Evan Krauss also announced the impending installation of a stamp machine in the Busch Student Center. The machine, which will be located near student mailboxes, will sell two 37-cent stamps for 75 cents. The machine is expected to be in place next week.

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