A new year has brought a new beginning for Concordia College Alabama as the school plans to unveil its Interactive Learning Center and two recently renovated female dormitories to the public on Jan. 9 at 11:30 a.m.

Formerly Peay Hall — a cafeteria, the improved facility houses a deli, small café and conference room, campus safety office, computer labs, and a fully-furnished lounge area, complete with flat screen televisions.

School officials said the project cost roughly $300,000 and will be fully managed by Aramark Food Services.

Concordia President Dr. Tilahun Mendedo said the venture, which is ideal for commuter students and athletes, is a way to connect with the current technologically savvy generation.

“Concordia’s Interactive Learning Center is the college’s initiative of reaching out to a new generation of scholars, who are absolutely different in their learning styles compared to my generation,” Mendedo said. “These students love to study and interact at the same time; they are multifaceted, with lots of gadgets and audio books and electronic media … this [center] will bring a new flavor for our students … [it] serves as a meeting place where the campus and community can share values and build up together.”

Mendedo said students may also be relieved and excited to move into the newly remodeled Rosa J. Young and Betty Skinner dorms, which suffered interior damage due to severe flooding back in September. Sixty students relocated to several hotels throughout the city for the entire fall semester.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose [Romans 8:28],” Mendedo said about the school’s recovery. “When the flood hit, Concordia just started class and the dormitories were just renovated in summer 2012; it was a frustrating moment for my administrative team, parents and above all, students. But the Lord changed this bad scenario into the best.”

The two dorms include new mattresses with frames, tile, dry wall, light fixtures and wardrobe closets.