Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, center, helps a group of NAU officials and friends turn the dirt during groundbreaking ceremonies for the hotel-conference center complex. From left are former regent Kay McKay; Larry Westrich, vice president of real estate and leasing for Drury Southwest; regent Ernest Calderón; NAU Executive Vice President MJ McMahon; former NAU President Eugene Hughes; NAU President John Haeger; Gov. Napolitano; Robert Bulla, president of the Arizona Board of Regents; Dennis Vollink, president of Drury Southwest; student regent Mary Venezia; Becki Drury, and legal counsel Rick Drury. [click here for a larger view] Photo by Geoff Gourley

Conference center complex breaks ground on new era
of collaboration

The community came together on Monday to usher in a new era of collaboration when Northern Arizona University broke ground on a hotel-conference center complex that will be located on the Flagstaff campus.

"I'm delighted to be part of the celebration of a mutual partnership between Northern Arizona University and the city of Flagstaff," said Gov. Janet Napolitano, who spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony in front of the North Union. "It's a win-win situation for everyone, and I hope to give another address not from a tent but from a conference center."

NAU President John Haeger described the complex as an excellent example of a university and community adopting a public agenda.

"This was a long time coming," Haeger said, acknowledging former NAU President Eugene Hughes sitting in the front row. "I believe the idea started with Dr. Hughes." Hughes was NAU president from 1979 to 1993.

Drury Southwest President Dennis Vollink shakes hands with Gov. Janet Napolitano during Monday's groundbreaking ceremonies. Seated behind the governor are state Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick and Pat Haeuser, NAU vice president for Planning, Budget and Institutional Effectiveness. Photo by Geoff Gourley

The hotel-conference center complex is a joint partnership among NAU, the city of Flagstaff, the Arizona Board of Regents and Drury Hotels. A 160-room hotel is planned along with a 42,000-square-foot conference center and adjoining parking structure.

Regents President Robert Bulla called the partnership "a unique entrepreneurial effort," adding, "The conference center will be a model of distinction in a highly competitive marketplace. The ripple effect will be realized by all local businesses."

Bulla also praised the academic opportunities the conference center will present to students in NAU's Hotel and Restaurant Management program.

Among other guests at the ceremony were Flagstaff Mayor Joe Donaldson, regents Ernest Calderón and Mary Venezia, state Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick and Drury Southwest President Dennis Vollink. Executive Vice President MJ McMahon was master of ceremonies, and NAU voice professors Judith Cloud and Deborah Raymond began the festivities by performing the National Anthem.

Eric Norgard, right, president of the Associated Students of Northern Arizona University, chats with Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, center, NAU President John Haeger and state Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick. Photo by Geoff Gourley

"On behalf of the 4,000 Drury employees, I want to say that this is one of the greatest opportunities we've had," Vollink said. "It was a great pleasure to work with (NAU), and the more meetings we had, the more impressed we became that this will be a great partnership."

Drury Hotels is a family-owned company based in Missouri with 117 hotels in 17 states. The company recently was recognized in the J.D. Power & Associates North American Guest Satisfaction Index Study as the top chain among "mid-scale, limited service" hotels.

The company also has a commitment to "green" building, which will make it a good fit in the Flagstaff community, Haeger said.

The conference center is expected to attract mid-size regional, national and international conferences. Consultants have estimated the economic benefit to northern Arizona to be about $7 million annually.

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