The first formal reception for the nearly completed Neal Welcome Center will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today at 860 W. Lincoln Ave.

Last week, a dedication ceremony marked the opening of the center, which was privately funded by Burnham, Nancy and the late Rosemary Neal, all life-long Eastern supporters.

“The center was first opened to administration, but this reception is for university faculty, staff and community business leaders,” said Patrice Stratton, executive officer for the EIU Foundation, which occupies offices in the structure.

Today’s event is geared toward faculty, Stratton said, but anyone is welcome to stop by the center.

“We can’t handle too many people. We’re trying to have only small groups at a time,” Stratton said.

The Neal Welcome Center is still being organized. The purpose of the center is to provide assistance for incoming students and families, with the help of the EIU Foundation and the admissions office.

“We don’t have it all set up yet, but we hope to have things in place before spring semester, and we certainly want to be fully operational before fall semester,” Stratton said. “It will be a whole growth process–getting to where people are aware of us and know to stop here.”

The regular hours for the Neal Welcome Center are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.