Winthrop’s families, friends and supporters will arrive on campus Nov. 2 to celebrate a new era for the university.

The Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education and Wellness Center, which opened this fall for classes and workouts, will be dedicated during a special ceremony. The building’s namesake, Lois Rhame West `43, will attend the event to help commemorate the completion of the largest building on the main campus. At 137,000 square feet, the $24.9 million West Center offers the latest environmentally friendly features and houses academic space for Winthrop’s health, physical education and sport management programs, as well as wellness facilities for the campus community.

The West Center marks the first bold step in creating a new ambience for the western side of campus and the neighborhood beyond. Its placement at the southwestern corner of the present campus contributes to a city initiative that envisions attracting private investment to help create a classic “college town” atmosphere around Winthrop.

Meanwhile, Winthrop students’ families will tour the West Center as part of Family Weekend, scheduled Nov. 2-4. More than 650 people have signed up to attend the first family-centered event offered in recent years, according to Kema Gadson, director of multicultural student life.

During the weekend events, family members will view a theatrical performance, attend a Beatles tribute group concert or picnic, ask faculty members questions during lectures on their areas of expertise, attend a presentation by President Anthony DiGiorgio, set out on a historic tour, and shop for local arts and crafts.

For more information, check out a detailed listing of events.