The Commons was declared officially open as students, faculty and community members watched University President William Cale cut the ribbon in the building’s lobby March 3 at 3 p.m.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was held to dedicate the building to fulfill its purpose — to provide a place that will attract students and members of the community to campus and to build a stronger future for the university, Cale said.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome you to this milestone occasion in the life of UNA — our commitment as a university to student success and student life,” Cale said.

Although the state of Alabama has been experiencing tough economic times, the university was able to refinance some of its debt to pay for The Commons, Cale said.

“I think one of the ways we find success is to find opportunity even in difficult times and that’s really what we did with this building,” Cale said. “This building is paid for and it emerged out of all that financial chaos.”

Senior Bryant Sharpley thinks the main-street side of campus is more complete now that The Commons is there.

“It finally feels like a college campus now, complete with a Starbucks,” Sharpley said.  “I think (The Commons) will help develop (campus life) on this side of campus.”

Board of Trustees Vice Chairperson Marty Abrams spoke about the benefits The Commons will provide students.

The Commons will yield a worthy return with time, Abrams said.

“We hope to achieve greater retention of our students here, making their academic experience here a success,” Abrams said. “(This) means when they come here, they leave with a degree. We think this building could be a vital key in the success of every single student that comes to our university.”

Although UNA impacts the city of Florence economically, the most important thing is the quality of life it provides for students and community members, said Florence Mayor Mickey Haddock.

 “I can assure you this building (The Commons) will enhance that quality of life each and every day,” Haddock said.

Vice President for Academic Affairs John Thornell thinks the location of academic resources in The Commons will benefit students, he said.

“Depending on the nature of an academic problem, students can know exactly where to go in this building,” Thornell said. “It’s great to have a focal point for the location of our resources.”

UNA graduate Robby Burdine, son of Alabama Rep. Greg Burdine also spoke at the event.

Editor’s note: News Editor Pace Holdbrooks contributed to this report.