To the passing eye the Gregg Computer Lab looks like the same old building with a new name on the outside.

But on the inside, the lab received a brand new face-lift.

The lab, renamed the Gregg Technology Center, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility.

To honor the upgrades, the center will have a grand opening ceremony from 2 to 4 p.m. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 2:15 p.m. A raffle will follow, with the chance to win an iPod.

The Gregg Technology Center offers students brand new equipment.

Michael Hoadley, the assistant vice president for academic technology, said the center now contains 41 new iMacs with dual-platforms, and nine Macbooks for check out inside the center.

The center also has iPod touches for faculty to check out for classes.

A videoconference area open to everyone and a training classroom with a projector and a Smart Board have also been added.

Employees, like Don Braswell, a senior applications analyst, have noticed a change in the quality of the new equipment.

“The (center) has a lot more to offer students,” Braswell said.

He said he hopes students will take advantage of the technology that is offered.

Elizabeth Racni, a student worker at the center and a junior special education major, said, “There has been an increase of students coming in using the lab than last year.”

The renovations began last semester after a student survey distributed by Student Government members suggested a more student-friendly lab.

Dane Urban can be reached at 581-7942 or

[email protected].