The COVID-19 pandemic was the beginning, the suspension, and the ending of many things. Sinclair athletic facilities in Building 8 of the Dayton campus could be more exceptional.
Building eight houses everything related to sports and many other things, like the stage area and other offices; however, in the recent Board meeting, the Board of Trustees discussed different ways building would be helpful.
“There is an exploratory process underway to study the possibility of using Building 8 as a Manufacturing Education Center,” said Catherine Petersen, the chief of Public Information at Sinclair.
Petersen highlighted Dayton’s manufacturing excellence, which is supported by a skilled workforce that is vital to its economy. Sinclair Community College plays a key role, offering over forty certificates, associate degrees, and a bachelor’s in applied science for Integrated Systems Technicians.
She also points out that this state-of-the-art facility would consolidate the College’s manufacturing programs under one roof, fostering collaboration, innovation, and access to innovative equipment.
Since Building 8 offers a spacious and adaptable space that could be transformed into a modern Manufacturing Education hub, Sinclair is exploring the potential of repurposing and renovating the building. You must keep in mind that no decision has been made about this.
The athletics programs and pool have been suspended since COVID-19 was severe. To make it fair, The Clarion reached out to some students and faculty for their opinion on this. They were asked whether they would like the sports to return or if the athletic area in Building 8 would be turned into a Manufacturing education hub.
“Personally, I wanted to take sports here. I would like some sports here, like Volleyball, baseball, basketball, and softball. I love to play all the sports. And I emailed the sports director and have not heard anything back since then. Sports are good exercise, mentally and physically. It is a good distraction outside of classes,” said TeeJay, a student majoring in Biology.
Julie McDaniel, a Student Success Librarian, said, “We should have both so the manufacturing education center can find another space on campus. Sports are so important for our students, and they have opportunities to do activities and meet other people outside of classes, so sports should come back.”
“I would like the sports to comeback because we have a lot students here who are very athletic and they don’t have anything to do, so working out, or even swimming or taking golf; I think will be very beneficial for the students to have some type of activity when they are not actually going to class,” said Denise Ivery, a Safety Information Officer (SIO).
