Did you know that the Convocation Academic Center at Xavier University of Louisiana replaced a historic gymnasium? Hurricane Katrina heavily damaged the original gymnasium. Today, we stand before a testament to resilience and renewal. This is the Convocation Academic Center.
The Convocation Academic Center is more than just a building. It is a hub where people gather. They celebrate major events in the academic and social lives of students. The center’s design features a grand entry. It sits on a raised platform. Illuminated like a beacon, it invites all to slow their pace. They ascend the steps as in a procession.
Inside the Convocation Academic Center, flexibility is key. The 4,800-seat interior can be configured for many events. Retractable seating can be compressed or extended. This is ideal for a stately convocation or a basketball game. Roaring fans can fill the space from floor to rafters. Manning provided full architectural and interior design services. These include furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
The Convocation Academic Center is supplemented by the Convocation Center Annex. The annex houses the university’s athletic department. It also provides added classrooms for the West Campus. Manning designed both buildings. These coordinating facilities helped create a strong visual identity for Xavier’s growing West Campus. The design maintains the recognizable character of the existing campus.
Both the Convocation Center and the Annex achieved LEED Silver certification. This demonstrates Xavier’s commitment to sustainability. The Convocation Center Annex is a three-story building. It offers 23,000 square feet of space. Inside, you will find conference rooms, meeting rooms, and office space. Moses Engineers provided all mechanical, engineering, and plumbing for this project.
The Convocation Center is a multi-purpose facility. It seats 4,500 people. It is home to Xavier’s men’s and women’s varsity basketball teams. It also hosts women’s varsity volleyball. Baccalaureate ceremonies, convocations, and theatrical performances take place here. The athletic department offices are housed within the Convocation Center. So are the locker rooms and training facilities.
The Convocation Academic Center features state-of-the-art lighting. This includes sports and theatrical lighting. The controls and audio/visual systems are energy-efficient. A multi-face LED scoreboard adds to the experience. The center can operate efficiently whether it is nearly empty or hosting a full house rock concert.
Adjacent surface parking facilities use photovoltaic panels. These panels provide shelter from the elements. They also offset the energy used by the LED nighttime security lighting. This is another example of Xavier’s commitment to the environment.
The Convocation Academic Center stands as a symbol of progress and community. It is a place where students, faculty, and the community come together. They celebrate achievements and build lasting memories. Remember the story of its creation. The center replaced what was lost in Hurricane Katrina, but it emerged stronger. The Convocation Academic Center is a beacon of hope and excellence for Xavier University.