Attendees enter the student center from outside.

It’s all about students

Penn State York’s new Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center offers students a better place to gather, study, eat, work out, have fun in-between classes, and engage with other members of the campus community.
By: Barb Dennis

The student center is a combination of new and old, and offers students a centralized place for clubs and organizations, a new fitness center, multi-activity court (the MAC), refurbished gym, increased lounge space, an upgraded game room, and includes twenty television screens placed throughout the facility.  A group exercise room/studio provides a place where yoga and other classes can be offered. 

In addition to the other upgrades to the existing building, the campus dining area received a facelift.  Rosie’s, the new dining area, and Cup O’ Joe, a coffee bar, provide the perfect spot for students to meet and socialize.

The existing gymnasium, which opened in the fall of 1970, has been refurbished and reflects the Penn State pride that is part of campus athletics.   Spectators can watch an athletic event in the gym or catch a glimpse from one of the new windows added above in the fitness center and in a student lounge area on the second floor.

The new facility provides an excellent place to exercise mind and body.

Student lifting a weight in the fitness center.

The Fitness Center offers the latest in exercise equipment and a beautiful view of the campus while you work out – no membership needed, just your Penn State I.D. Brittany Armpriester, a senior majoring in biology and genetics, takes advantage of the free weights.  Other equipment includes eight treadmills, two steppers, rowing machines, and “Synergy,” offering TRX capabilities, battle topes, medicine balls, and kettle bell training opportunities.

Credit: Barb Dennis
Students sitting in front of a wall of televisions in Rosie’s.

Grab something to eat or drink, do a little studying, spend some time with friends, or catch up on the news on the numerous television screens.  The campus dining area, Rosie’s, and the new coffee bar, Cup O’ Joe, offers a full menu of hot and cold foods and an ambiance that is sure to please.  This area is named after the late Joe and Rosie Ruhl, who loved our students and were huge supporters of the campus.  Their names appear on the building.

Credit: Barb Dennis
A highly stylized mural with photos and the text "We are York"

Graphics throughout the building display our Penn State Pride and are a must-see.  Honoring our athletes, this one includes athletes from each of our current five collegiate sports - baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, and women’s volleyball – women’s softball is coming in 2017!   The graphics are not just about athletics, others display our pride in campus diversity and represent the home countries of our students faculty, and staff, and still others share meaningful quotes and inspiration messages.

Credit: Barb Dennis
Students taking a yoga class.

Namaste anyone?  This group exercise classroom/studio is the perfect place for yoga or spinning class and can help relieve stress and keep minds peaceful and healthy.

Credit: Barb Dennis
Penn State York Women’s Basketball huddling in the middle of the gym.

The refurbished gym, now air-conditioned, is home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams, the women’s volleyball team, and a number of kinesiology classes. Spectators can get a bird’s eye view of activities in the gym and even those working out in the Fitness Center can catch a game.

Credit: Dave McLaughlin