As Wayne State continues to improve campus services and facilities, designations for these facilities should more accurately reflect the College's new intent for these spaces. Recent dramatic changes in our athletic and recreation facilities have provided us with the opportunity to rename the Recreation Center and Rice Auditorium to redefine expectations.
            Wayne State College's recent renovation of athletic and recreation facilities was strategically designed to convert the Recreation Center into a comprehensive facility designed to support overall student health and wellness. The center combines multi-use courts, cardio equipment, weight room equipment, multi-use activity rooms, recovery spaces, and study spaces to move beyond just recreation.
            In order to more accurately reflect the College's goal for the newly renovated facility, the Recreation Center is being renamed to the Wellness Center. The new term better aligns with like facilities on college campuses and better defines what this facility has become for Wayne State. 
            As Rice Auditorium has undergone changes to better facilitate fans, these modifications have made the name outdated. Moving forward, the facility will be named John D. Rice Arena.
            Rice Auditorium originally housed a stage, curtain, and lighting that was designed to make the facility available for multiple uses between athletic and non-athletic events (i.e. concerts, lectures, assemblies, graduations, etc.). In 2022, the auditorium stage was converted into a club area for fans and a better in-game experience.  These conversions removed the auditorium feel and function of the facility. The term "arena" is also more synonymous with like NCAA Division I & II athletic facilities on college campuses.
            "The transition from a Recreation Center to a Wellness Center represents a fundamental shift in our philosophy and modern expectations from current and prospective students," said Mike Powicki, WSC director of athletics. "Through our recent renovations and upgraded facilities, the term 'Wellness' better captures what these spaces have transformed to become and the impact they make on the overall student life experience."