SPEARFISH - Black Hills State University student Robbie Calvert is thankful for timing: The addition to the Student Union is almost done, and he has two more years to enjoy it.

Calvert is a junior at the university and the president of the University Programming Team, one of the student groups that will work in a new office after construction is completed.

"I can't begin to describe and explain what a difference it will be," said Jane Klug, director of the union. "It will take their breath away."

The construction is in phase three of a four-phase, five-year project. Students will have access to dining services, the bookstore and the student organization suite by the time classes begin in a couple of weeks.

Students voted to increase their own fees to pay for the project to update and expand the Student Union.

Construction to finish the bookstore will continue, and when the union is finished in November, students and staff will be greeted by a leadership suite for the organizations, a two-story atrium, stone fireplace and the dining room and bookstore all in the same building.

The consultant firm that designed the project interviewed students to guide creating an atmosphere that is familiar and supports the university's mission, Klug said.

Recognizing the Native American culture was important, she said, and was the inspiration for medicine wheel artwork. To include the Black Hills State university spirit, shades of green also were used in the union.

"They nailed it," she said. "They truly captured it. It's very warm; it's very welcoming."

It's just what Calvert hopes new students feel when they walk in.

"I am very excited for it," he said. "It will also create a better atmosphere to which new students will be able to be introduced to new organizations and what is happening around campus."

One of the best aspects, he added, is the large suite for the student organizations. Before, the organizations were in separate offices.

"This will be a great opportunity for all student organizations on campus to be able to collaborate and communicate with each other far more effectively than we've been able to in the past," he said.

The addition also allows the school's 35-year-old radio station KBHU-FM to move to the union from the school library basement. The student center also has several environmentally friendly aspects and a late-night programming area to allow students to "make good choices." Get-togethers will happen to watch "Monday Night Football," play X-Box games or do karaoke in the programming area.

"We're very excited and we're very, very proud," Klug said.

Contact Kayla Gahagan at kayla.gahagan@rapidcityjournal.com or 394-8410.