Best College Values recently ranked the Anderson Student Center No. 10 out of the 30 “most amazing” student unions in the nation.

St. Thomas began construction on the $66 million building in May 2010 following an approval from the city government. After opening in January 2012, the student center was quickly awarded for its design by Finance & Commerce and the Association of College Unions International.

“The Anderson Student Center dramatically changed student life on campus,” Vanessa Ryan, director of the Anderson Student Center, said. “From pedestrian traffic patterns to programming space and dining options, the Anderson Student Center has enhanced the student experience.”

According to Ryan, student feedback was essential in the building design and in the selection of furnishings when the student center was being built.

“The goals were to create a state-of-the-art gathering place in the center of campus that served as the heart of campus,” said Ryan. “We wanted to design a community space for students, staff, faculty and guests.”

Before the Anderson Student Center opened its doors in 2012, the student center at St. Thomas was located in Murray-Herrick. The current seniors at St. Thomas are the last group to have experienced the old student center.

“The new student center has created more of a gathering place on campus,” senior Stephanie Kaczynski said. “Now students meet at the student center, and if you’re bored, you check out what’s happening in the student center because something is always going on.”

Sophomore Evan Keil said having national recognition helps keep St. Thomas’ reputation high.

“We always have known that we have the best facilities in the nation,” sophomore Evan Keil said. “It’s great to know that we’re noticed by others.”

Eric Bromback can be contacted at brom0030@stthomas.edu.