The Fresno State Student Recreation Center is marking its 20th anniversary this year. To mark the milestone, the Rec Center will be hosting a celebration on Feb. 3 from 4-6 p.m.
“During the celebration, we will be offering special programming as well as exclusive giveaways and grand prize drawings,” said Matthew Olson, the intramural coordinator at the Student Recreation Center.
According to Olson, students attending the event will receive a passport that can be stamped at multiple areas in the Rec Center. Students must complete the passport to get the anniversary T-shirt. The completed passport will also be used to enter students into the larger grand prize giveaways.
Olson also said that students can pick up exclusive anniversary stickers throughout the day. Some of the prizes that will be included in the giveaway are Beats headphones, massage guns and gym bags.
All about the Rec
The Rec Center opened its doors in 2006, and since then, it has become an important part of the Fresno State campus. It offers students access to workout equipment, group fitness classes and intramural sports. For some students, the Rec Center isn’t just any other gym. It’s a place to de-stress, stay healthy and escape the pressure of college for a little while.
“For me, the Rec is kind of my reset button,” said Navraj Dhaliwal, a master’s student majoring in computer science. “When school gets overwhelming, coming here helps me clear my head.”
Other students said that regularly going to the Rec Center helps with both physical and mental health. With long class days, jobs and academic stress, having an accessible wellness space on campus can make a big difference.
“I don’t think I would be as consistent with working out if the Rec [Center] wasn’t right here,” said Bianca Jauregui, a sophomore majoring in kinesiology. “It’s convenient and it’s free. It honestly helps a lot with my stress.”
Aside from fitness, students also say that the Rec Center is a community for them. Whether through intramural sports games, group classes or working out with friends, the space encourages connections.
“The Rec brings people together in a way classrooms really don’t,” said Maria Lopez, a sophomore psychology major. “You meet all types of people, and it’s nice to know that everyone’s there actively trying to better themselves. It makes me feel like we are all working toward the same goals at the end of the day.”
Celebrating two decades, the Rec Center reflects on its lasting influence on student life.
For many Bulldogs, the Rec Center is a vital resource.
