Shepherd University representatives break ground on the new dining hall and multipurpose building on May 14. Photo by Ainsley Hall

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Shepherd University celebrated the groundbreaking of its new dining hall and multipurpose building on May 14.

Located on the west side of the Shepherd campus near the intramural fields, this project will include state-of-the-art dining facilities, along with new locker rooms and a weight room. It was funded with help from Rep. Riley Moore and former state Sen. Craig Blair.

This project started when Moore and Blair came together to provide $30 million for the school and its various projects. During the ceremony, Blair talked about how Moore, former treasurer of West Virginia, approached him with $15 million from the state treasury and asked him if it was possible to match it. Blair and the other senators at the time created a flat line budget, allowing them to provide this money to important projects around the state.

Guests gathered at the location of the new construction site to celebrate this important milestone for the university. Shepherd University President Mary Hendrix started the event by welcoming guests and thanking everyone who made this project possible.

This included a collaboration between Moore, Blair, former Gov. Jim Justice and current Gov. Patrick Morrisey.

Eric Lewis, former chair of Shepherd University’s board of governors, talks about the design of the new project on May 14. Photo by Ainsley Hall

“For the first time since the 1970s, our primary dining hall will be on the same side of campus as all of our residence halls,” Hendrix said. “And just think of what this means for the student experience at Shepherd. West Campus will become the center for student activity, drawing more students to live on site.”

She shared her excitement to see continuing and new traditions be brought to the new building, including midnight breakfast during finals. In addition to the dining hall, however, there will be an expansion for the athletic department, adding new offices and training space for athletes.

Eric Lewis, former chair of Shepherd University’s board of governors and another key member on the project, explained that the final design is being completed as construction begins. He believes it might be the biggest design build like this in the history of West Virginia and is excited to see it completed.

“It’s a project that we never could afford in this life without support,” Lewis said. “It’s going to have such an incredible positive impact on students. With the dining situation we have today, they make the best with limited resources, but once this project is complete, they will have one of the best in the region.”

Construction for the project is officially fully underway. It’s set to be completed in June 2026, allowing students and staff to have the space they need to eat healthily and fuel their minds for a better education.