Ribbon cutting ceremony held for ‘The Rock’
Officials of Morehead State University along with members of its Board of Regents, local and state legislators Thursday, Nov. 9, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new dining commons facility “The Rocky Adkins Dining Commons.”
Adkins is humbled, but glad that MSU students will have a chance to take advantage of the new facility.
“This is all about our students. This will give them a place to study, eat and socialize with their classmates and friends. MSU has played a pivotal role in my life and I am very honored to have my name placed on this building. It also adds to the beauty of our campus,” said Adkins.
“Not in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought that I would experience what I have today. It is humbling and I am completely honored.”
“The Rock” was built on the site of the former Waterfield Hall. The 25,000 square foot dining commons overlooks the central residential community. The project was designed by EOP Architects, Lexington.
The new facility offers The Fresh Food Company, which features cutting-edge exhibition cooking, authentic ethnic dishes, a culinary twist on old American favorites and a variety of healthy/vegetarian options prepared to order.
The cost of the parking garage and dining complex was $22.8 million. It was funded from private funds and student fees for housing, parking and dining services.
“This facility has changed the face of the campus and quickly has become a very popular place,” said Dr. Joseph A. (Jay) Morgan, MSU president. “During my time working with Rocky, I have learned, he is a straight forward individual and he cares a lot about this University.”
Rep. Adkins received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from MSU.
In 1986, he was elected to serve in the Kentucky legislature. The Sandy Hook native served as the House Majority Floor Leader from 2003-16 and is currently serves as Minority Floor Leader.
During his time in the legislature, he has remained a staunch supporter of education in Eastern Kentucky.
A more than 20-year survivor of cancer, he actively raises funds for research by sponsoring an annual golf tournament, “Rocky Adkins Charity Golf Outing – Cure for Cancer” which has raised more than $2.3 million since its inception in 1995.
Rep. Adkins was inducted into the MSU Alumni Hall of Fame in 2004 and named the recipient of the 2012 Founders Award for University Service.
He has been honored for his public service by many organizations and considered a leader in the field of energy independence and has introduced several groundbreaking pieces of legislation.
Adkins was the starting point guard on the 1982-83 OVC Champion Eagles basketball teams.
Additional information is available by calling 606-783-2033 or email events@morheadstate.edu.
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