After nearly 10 years of planning and praying, the Gator Wesley Foundation finally opened its doors to its new center Sunday.
The new building, located at 1380 W. University Ave., is nearly 16,000 square feet in size. It includes a 5,000-square-foot worship center and a 1,600-square-foot lounge called the College Room where students can study and socialize.
Speaking to more than 200 in attendance, UF President Bernie Machen said the shared goal of Gator Wesley and UF is to help students move along in life.
"We, [together,] seek to develop the mind, body and spirit of our young people," Machen said.
Although the building has been open since the beginning of April, church leaders thought a grand opening for the new school year would be better.
The Rev. David Fuquay, who has directed Gator Wesley since 2006, said that while the process was a very long journey, he is hopeful that the building will remain a part of the community for an even longer time.
"[These are] things that helped us remember where we've come from even as we're moving into a new future," Fuquay said.
