Wesley Foundation Student Center to open in new building

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Student Ministry Center for the Wesley Foundation is moving to a new building at 820 Rankin Ave., just west of its current location that has been purchased by WMU.

It will close the week of Feb. 29 and reopen at the new location Monday, March 14.

A community open house is planned for 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 11, with an official dedication at 6 p.m.

For over 50 years, Wesley of Kalamazoo has been the presence of the United Methodist Church in the center of Western Michigan University’s campus. On February 28, Wesley of Kalamazoo will hold their final worship in their current building, and will open their new building on March 14.

“Moving into the new student center that is fully accessible allows Wesley to be more fully inclusive of all people, which was not possible in the previous building," says campus pastor Lisa Batten. "Our hope is the new facility will be a safe and welcoming space for the campus community to connect, attend programs and events and stop by for a free cup of coffee. Since we worked with University officials on the placement and design of the new student center we see it as a resource to campus in whatever way possible."

Wesley of Kalamazoo was founded in 1923 and has occupied the current location since 1964, where it has ministered to students through weekly services, small groups, and justice work, which will all continue in the new space.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.

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