William Jessup University, Sacramento Area's Only Residential Four-Year Private University, Announces Major, $25 Million Campus Expansion

Business Wire,  July 16, 2008  

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ROCKLIN, Calif. -- William Jessup University, the Sacramento area's only residential four-year private university, today announced plans for a $25 million campus expansion, its first major expansion since the university relocated to Rocklin in 2004.

The expansion of the Christian university includes a doubling of on-campus housing for students, a new student dining center, the creation of a banquet facility that will be one of the largest in Placer County, and additional athletic and music facilities.

"We moved the university from our small campus in San Jose to Rocklin because we wanted to be able to serve more students in Northern California," said Bryce Jessup, President of William Jessup University. "This expansion will allow us to enhance the educational experience for our students and accommodate growth in the years ahead."

Founded in 1939 and located on 128 acres in Rocklin, William Jessup University is the only WASC-accredited private four-year residential university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area.

The university offers degrees in many different disciplines, including Business Administration, Christian Education, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Liberal Studies (Teacher Education), Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. WJU also offers an adult Degree Completion Program at its campuses in Rocklin and San Jose in Counseling Psychology, Management and Christian Leadership.

President Jessup announced the expansion today along with Dr. Pat Gelsinger, Chairman of the William Jessup University Foundation; Assemblyman Ted Gaines; Placer County Supervisor Robert Weygandt; Rocklin Mayor Brett Storey; WJU Counseling/Psychology Professor Bev Wiens and Ashley Waterman, a senior at the university and a student government leader; as well as numerous elected officials, community and business leaders.

They were among those who officially broke ground on the first phase of new student residences that will house 192 students and be ready for occupancy in August 2009.

"We are grateful to the many individuals who have supported the university financially and with their prayers," President Jessup said. "When we decided to move to Rocklin, we had a vision of creating a university that offered more to its students. We are only able to offer more - educationally, spiritually and academically - because of the support of so many who shared and supported our vision."

Details of the expansion include:

* Apartments for 192 students, with each eight-person suite offering 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen and living room, and a 100-space, two-story parking garage located underneath the student housing.

* A 28,000 square foot dining and banquet facility that will be able to accommodate up to 733 people.

* An athletic facility with a basketball court and team rooms.

* Music practice rooms and music studio for students.

"This expansion marks a new era for the university and increases its ability to serve students," said Dr. Pat Gelsinger, a Senior Vice President of Intel Corporation and Chairman of the William Jessup University Foundation. "We are grateful for the support of so many who have joined with the university as it seeks to deliver a unique, Christ-centered education for young people."

The dining, banquet, athletic and music facilities will all be built within an existing vacant warehouse on campus that was originally a part of the Herman Miller furniture manufacturing plant designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.

The university's re-use of the facility has won accolades for preserving the original design while creating a unique campus atmosphere.

Reeve-Knight Construction Inc. will be the general contractor for the expansion project. Russell Taylor of Taylor Teter Partnership is the project architect, supported by Webb Design for the kitchen and banquet facilities.

For more information on William Jessup University please visit www.jessup.edu.

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