Temple University’s new Student Training and Recreation (STAR) Complex, a multipurpose academic, athletics and recreation facility, has been named for dining-services partner Aramark.

 

Opened Aug. 28 for the start of the fall semester, the Aramark STAR Complex at 15th Street and Montgomery Avenue was under construction for the past year.

 

“As exciting as it has been to see the Aramark STAR Complex take shape, it will be even more exciting to see our students, faculty, staff and the public take advantage of its various features,” Temple President Richard M. Englert said. “We are pleased to collaborate with Aramark not only on this project but also on enhancing other elements of the campus experience.”

 

The academic portion of the building supports the College of Public Health’s clinical education, particularly in the occupational therapy and physical therapy graduate programs. The area features new clinical training spaces with the latest instructional technology, lecture halls, smart classrooms and a demonstration/teaching apartment with wheelchair-height kitchen counters and appliances, as well as a fully accessible bath and bedroom.

 

The indoor recreation area, along 15th Street, will double the amount of free-weight space currently available to students. The remainder of the facility features a 70-yard synthetic turf field for use by intercollegiate athletics and by Temple’s 36 club sports and 10 intramural offerings.

 

The main lobby includes a climbing wall, lounge area and a Jamba Juice, which will accept meal plans. A new outdoor track will be open to the public. Administrative offices that have moved to the facility include Business Services and Athletics. A dedication ceremony is planned for Sept. 7.

 

“We are proud to partner with our hometown university and look forward to enhancing the living and learning environment on campus,” said Pat Boggs, president of Aramark’s Higher Education division.

 

In addition to building the Aramark STAR Complex, Temple and its dining-services partner renovated the Howard Gittis Student Center food court and atrium. Also open for the fall semester, the renovated space includes an all-new lineup of brands in the food court; a Starbucks with seating in the atrium; new finishes for the floors and walls; updated lighting and furniture; and more flexible and open seating arrangements.