Much like the ringing of the bell signifies the start of a fresh day of financial trading, student ambassador Michelle Gaka rang in a new era for Brock’s Goodman School of Business at the official opening of its new Student Success Centre on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Gaka, a second-year student in the Bachelor of Business Administration International Double Degree co-op program, shared her excitement about the new central student hub for Goodman students.

“I invite everyone to come in and communicate, collaborate and network with one another,” she said. “This space allows students to thrive and make their Goodman experience their own.”

The centre, located on the 200 level of Mackenzie Chown A block, houses a collaboration zone and student-facing staff, including the Goodman Student Experience team, the Goodman Career Services team and undergraduate academic advising.

Goodman Dean Barry Wright gave thanks to the late Ned Goodman, Goodman family and the Goodman Family Foundation for their support of the School, which made the centre possible.

“What a new home this is,” Wright said. “The collaboration zone is inspiring place for students to gather and work as team either on course work or the experiential education projects they complete for our community partners.”

The opening event welcomed more than 70 people into the space for tours and official opening remarks, with students able to meet and greet the staff team supporting them. The space will also be used for student programming and as an event space for the School’s 12 student clubs.

Scott Johnstone, Associate Vice-President, Infrastructure and Operations in Facilities Management, told visitors the centre can act as a shining example for infrastructure projects that embrace sustainability and use existing space.

Johnstone said that while the cosmetic elements and functionality of the 1970s space were outdated, the building itself provided a solid foundation for the centre.

“We made the new space fit the function of today and reutilized existing space. Goodman had a solid business plan for this project and that needs to be duplicated,” he said.

During the event, former Goodman Dean Andrew Gaudes, Goodman’s former Chief Administrative Officer Amy Tomaino, Professor of Operations Management Ken Klassen and Senior Project Manager John Rizzo were noted for their hard work in bringing the space to life.