UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Before leaving for spring break, students will have the opportunity to view the completed HUB-Robeson Center expansion, the $44.6 million renovation project started in June 2013.

With more than 106,000 square feet of improvements — encompassing about 54,800 square feet of new space and 52,000 square feet of renovated space — the HUB will welcome students and visitors to experience new spaces and enhancements at its grand opening event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, March 2.

“We reached out to a variety of student groups and student leaders during the beginning phases of the project to hear what changes and improvements they would like to see in the HUB. We’ve been implementing those changes during this expansion,” said Mary Edgington, senior director of union and student activities. “With its completion, the HUB will now be able to provide more space for students to collaborate and converse and for student organizations to meet and provide a wide range of programs.”

Earlier this year on Jan. 20, the side entrance was opened for the Penn State Federal Credit Union after it was moved to its new location in the HUB’s lower level. On Jan. 27, PNC Bank and the id+ office also were moved downstairs.

A new center dedicated to student engagement called the Center for Character, Conscience and Public Purpose will fill the former Penn State Federal Credit Union location. The center will be open later in the summer or fall semester. Also this summer, a new space designed for additional outreach to students and offering ways for them to become involved will open in the former id+, PNC Bank and Copy Central area.

Some main features of the renovation project include:

— New seating and lounge spaces, including an innovative monumental staircase incorporated into a new, sunlit atrium. “We hope it will act as a gathering place for students to hang out, study and socialize,” Edgington said. “With built-in outlets on the risers, it will be a convenient area for students who need to charge their phones and laptops.”

— Additional meeting and multipurpose rooms. Multiple new meeting rooms have been added on the upper level of the expanded area with views of the new atrium. These rooms will help serve the increasing number of student organizations and their events.

“We connected with several student organization leaders at the beginning of our project, gaining insight from them about what would better meet students’ needs,” Edgington said. “Many of them requested more space for multipurpose programming and larger-group meetings.”

— A flex theatre, one of the most exciting new features, will provide a full-functioning lighting grid and retractable seating, allowing student organizations to hold different kinds of performances, presentations and rehearsals.

— A new THON merchandise store. On Feb. 22, THON 2015 revealed its fundraising total of $13.02 million, bringing the cumulative donation for the Four Diamonds to $114 million since 1977. A physical merchandise store in the HUB will help support THON’s mission. The store not only provides a more convenient accommodation for people who want to buy products benefiting THON, but also is a great way to raise awareness for the cause.

“Merchandise is a powerful awareness tool that helps spread the message of THON far beyond Penn State,” alumnus Ryan Patrick, who served as the executive director for THON 2013, said. “I think that the THON Store will be instrumental in helping expand our ability to provide more merchandise to a larger group of supporters.”

— A renovated bookstore and food court. On Feb.16, the Penn State Bookstore moved back to the HUB from its temporary location on the HUB lawn. The renovated bookstore includes a mezzanine level, providing students more comfortable seating and a café serving Starbucks coffee to accompany their reading and study. A Clinique booth also has been added to the store. Additionally, a more centralized food court area in the HUB will provide students even greater access to food and dining options.

This summer, the green roof terrace atop the bookstore will open. Chosen as the senior class gift by the Class of 2014, the green roof will provide a relaxing outdoor environment for students to enjoy the natural beauty of the campus as well as a view of Mount Nittany. The green roof also will support a new habitat for plants, birds and insects through advanced sustainable architecture and design.

“We’re excited to welcome students and visitors to the new HUB-Robeson Center on Monday and hope everyone will enjoy the new space, programs and services,” Edgington said.

HUB-Robeson Center Grand Opening festivities

The HUB’s grand opening will kick off at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 2, with a ribbon cutting ceremony outside the new east entrance. Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs, Anand Gunjam, president of the University Park Undergraduate Association, and Danielle Rhupart, president of the Graduate Professional Student Association, will offer brief remarks prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony. Special discounts also will be available in the HUB dining areas as well as the bookstore, and individuals who complete self-guided tours will be entered to win a number of giveaways, from T-shirts to new iPads. Festivities are scheduled through 4 p.m. and will include music, student performances and free cake and cookies.