spaces will be occupied by full-time , degree-seeking students .
The residence hall is owned by the Daytona State Housing Corporation , which is a new 501c direct support organization that is privately funded by donations and a mortgage . The total project is approximately $ 16 million .
LoBasso said intercollegiate athletics also is a factor in students ’ college experience , as well as the school ’ s place in the community .
“ It ’ s important to student life , but also to our staff and community members that come and watch our games ,” he said . The athletic programs are not unique for a state college , according to Will Dunne , DSC School of Health & Wellness Dean .
“ DSC ’ s focus on sports is simply an extension of our academic program offerings ,” Dunne said . “ In the case of intercollegiate athletics , this is the activity engagement that completes this cohort of a student ’ s college experience . These students can continue pursuing their individual sports interest at the college level , while at the same time pursuing a chosen program of study or transfer degree program . Many of our students transfer on to four-year institutions to continue with their academic and sports interests .”
LoBasso said the college ’ s athletic programs also enhance the school ’ s reputation and bring recognition to Daytona State .
“ I ’ ll point out our women ’ s golf program ,” he said . “ Those
ladies are out there wearing their Daytona State colors out in the community . They ’ ve got a great reputation and they absolutely help the school ’ s branding – and that goes for all of our programs .”
LoBasso said the Daytona State brand is known beyond the borders of the Sunshine State .
Will Dunne
“ All of our teams are successful and some have gone beyond not only our region , but to the state and national level as well ,” he said .
Since 2015 , Daytona State has added men ’ s and women ’ s soccer and men ’ s and women ’ s cross country to the athletic program .
“ Soccer in particular is a sport that in the state of Florida at the youth level is just huge . There are thousands and thousands of kids playing ,” LoBasso said . “ I was surprised at the low number of state colleges that have soccer teams . It seemed like an opportunity to get in early on soccer .” Dunne said the impact of adding new sports programs is clear . “ Adding men ’ s and women ’ s soccer added 60 + full-time students to the institution that in most cases would not be attending the institution without the sports opportunity ,” he said . “ These students , much like the other students on the remaining eight teams , do well academically , and in many cases continue
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