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\;Northwestern State University will hold a ribbon-cutting for Dr. Robert Alost Hall\, the university&rsquo\;s state-of-the-art academic hub that opened this semester. The ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. Friday\, Oct. 3 in conjunction with the university&rsquo\;s Homecoming festivities.
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&ldquo\;This building represents the promise of Northwestern State University\,&rdquo\; said NSU President James T. Genovese. &ldquo\;Dr. Robert Alost Hall stands as a commitment to academic excellence\, innovation and service to Louisiana. As we open its doors\, we honor Dr. Alost&rsquo\;s legacy and look ahead to the students who will prepare here to lead in classrooms\, hospitals\, businesses\, and communities across our state and beyond.&rdquo\;
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Alost was president of Northwestern State from 1986-1996 and is credited with initiating substantial progress in academic achievement\, athletic success and facility enhancements during his administration.
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Construction on the $45 million Alost project began in March 2023. \; Looming over Sam Sibley Drive in the heart of campus\, the 73\,200-square-foot Alost Hall features large multipurpose classrooms that can open into one larger multi-functional area\, simulation laboratories for graduate and undergraduate nursing and anesthesia programs\, a social work/psychology clinic and training area\, a café\;\, a dozen 30-person classrooms\, two 40-person classrooms and three 50-person classrooms. \; The building houses 60 faculty offices and an administrative suite for deans\, department heads and administrative assistants\, a large conference room and reception area. \; There are seating areas inside and outside the building for students between classes.
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Alost Hall is located at 160 Sam Sibley Drive\, the former site of Caddo Hall\, a 1960s residential facility that was razed in preparation for the new building. Alost Hall replaces John S. Kyser Hall\, constructed in 1968\, as the university&rsquo\;s main academic building.
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Parking for the ribbon-cutting will be available at the adjacent commuter parking lot.
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