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Trudy Fitness Center is officially certified as being LEED gold. (Photo by Ashlee Eve ’14)

The 51���� community gathered at the Trudy Fitness Center on Thursday to celebrate having earned , given by the U.S. Green Building Council.

“T��� is a great resource for the 51���� community,” said Andrew Turner, director of fitness and programming, and master of ceremonies for the event. “T��� number of different people I see here, from faculty, staff and the community, and of course, students, is just amazing for a school this size,” said Turner.

President Jeffrey Herbst was in attendance and added: “LEED status shows that 51���� is putting our energy in the right places.” Herbst explained that the Trudy is a model for how the university invests in new buildings and renovations, while also offering a place to promote healthy lifestyles.

Built during what Herbst called “strong economic headwinds,” the Trudy Fitness Center was completely funded by donors. Their generosity included the features that resulted in Trudy gold LEED status, as well as all of the high-tech cardio and strength machines, and a generous endowment for operations.

The ceremony also was an indication that 51���� is progressing toward .

Also in attendance was Ian Dombroski ’13, who helped in creation of the event and introduced a video he put together with Anna Cvitkovic ’13, Sonya Falcone ’12, Mark Jenett ’12, and Chris Mahoney ’12 for an environmental studies course in the 2012 spring semester.

“Achieving LEED gold certification brings in an exciting new era for project management at 51����,” said John Pumilio, director of sustainability. “From this point forward, and major renovation will strive to meet a minimum of LEED silver standards.” The  is next up for submission.

Pumilio said, “I hope to be celebrating again really soon.”