WAYNE, Neb, -- Wayne State College is set to make history with the grand opening of Stearns Hall, the first new residence building since Bowen Hall's construction in 1966. This modern four-story facility will provide much-needed housing for 276 students, featuring a mix of 168 suite-style beds and 108 traditional beds. As faculty celebrate with an open house, they emphasize the hall's vital role in enhancing campus life.

“Previously we just had doubles and some triples on campus, but now with the suites added, we will have singles," Director of campus residence life, Heidi Acton said. "So there's four single rooms and in the suite with a common area, there is a bathroom, And so that's exciting because all of the rest of our residence halls have common bathrooms. So everybody showers on the floor. So it's only for three other people. So people are very excited about that, that they can choose to live by themselves.” 

Makena Ramirez who experienced the old Berry Hall living situation said it was old and rundown but the thing that made it unique and enjoyable was the people.

"As an RA in this dorm, I'm hoping to bring that experience to this new residence hall," Ramirez said. "I know it'll be, you know, the talk of campus once everybody comes back, but I'm really hoping to bring that community sense that we had in Barry to the new dorm and students.”

Berry Hall needed several updates, but one big perk that makes Stearns Hall stand out above everything is the new gym.

“As a person who likes to stay fit, I'm excited to be able to have access to that," Ramirez said. "It's not going to have free weights, but it'll have dumbbells, and it'll have a lot of cardio machines. So, as a rugby player, it’s nice to have that accessibility.”

The state of the art facility will have an open kitchen, two televisions, a pool table, and reception area. There will also be an exercise room on the second floor. Students official move-in date is Jan. 10, just before spring classes on the 13th.