A Campus Recreation Center That Builds Student Belonging
Recreation centers are more than places to lift, run, and play. On the University of New Haven campus, the David A. Beckerman Recreation Center functions as a welcoming living room, a stage for tradition, and a centerpiece for student belonging. As the largest indoor venue on campus, it is the site where students experience their first orientation, their most celebrated milestones, and their final send-offs. With CENTERS as the operating partner, Beckerman consistently transforms from a recreation hub into the university’s heartbeat of student life.
Beckerman Recreation Center History, Design, and Campus Features
Opened in 2008 after CENTERS completed the architectural program review and business plan, the 56,500-square-foot Beckerman Center was designed with flexibility and future growth in mind. The university sought a facility that could both meet student fitness needs and fill a longstanding gap for large-scale campus gatherings. CENTERS’ early involvement shaped a building that has stood the test of time, seamlessly serving dual purposes as a recreation hub and event destination.
The award-winning facility earned the Athletic Business Architectural Showcase Award in 2009. Its high ceilings, abundant natural light, and open sightlines create an inviting environment adaptable to many uses. Features include two gym courts, a multi-activity court, weight and fitness zones, functional training space, group fitness studios, an elevated jogging track, locker rooms, a juice bar, and welcoming lounge areas that encourage community.
University of New Haven’s Largest Venue for Student Life Events
Because of its scale and thoughtful design, Beckerman naturally became the university’s go-to venue for milestones. It hosts Charge In (new student orientation), Charge Out (graduation cords and celebrations), convocation, cultural showcases, Galas and Scholarship Balls, concerts, career fairs, and Admissions open houses. During breaks, it also serves the wider community through rentals such as basketball tournaments, gymnastics meets, and banquets.
These moments create shared traditions that contribute to persistence and retention. A first-year student’s introduction to the community during Charge In is mirrored by their final celebrations at Charge Out. The same building bookends the college journey, weaving personal growth and institutional pride together in a shared campus story.
Event Management Expertise from CENTERS’ Campus Recreation Team
A great event needs more than a great room. It requires a partner who knows the space inside and out, anticipates risks, and coordinates people and flow. CENTERS’ staff bring deep facility knowledge, nimble problem-solving, and seamless collaboration with both event hosts and facilities teams. They are prepared for the expected and the unexpected—from reorganizing a floor plan when more guests arrive than anticipated to troubleshooting AV or lighting on short notice. Their presence allows university partners to focus on content and community, knowing logistics are handled.
As Director Jessica Scibek emphasizes, “Our job is to help our partners bring their vision to life. We ask the questions no one else is asking, we think through the flow, and we position our staff so that students and guests experience a seamless event.”
Creating Student Belonging Through Campus Traditions
Events at Beckerman are vital touchpoints that help students find their people, purpose, and pride. Orientation welcomes individuals into a community. Cultural festivals celebrate identity and build understanding. Recognition events honor achievement. Charge Out marks the transition to life beyond campus. When one venue hosts these moments across four years, it becomes woven into every Charger’s story.
Nationally, recreation centers are increasingly recognized as belonging hubs. Beckerman demonstrates how a well-run, multipurpose facility amplifies student identity and strengthens institutional retention goals.
CENTERS at the University of New Haven: A Trusted Partner in Campus Life
CENTERS’ value at New Haven extends beyond operations. The team is known as a trusted collaborator with Student Affairs, Admissions, Academics, and Facilities. They manage late-night setup, event flow, and last-minute requests with professionalism and care. This embedded model allows CENTERS to act as both operator and strategic partner, aligning logistics with the university’s mission.
The strength of this relationship is seen in how smoothly events run regardless of scale. Whether it’s a 30-person club banquet or a 1,000-student orientation, CENTERS staff approach each event with the same commitment to detail and student experience.
Why the David A. Beckerman Recreation Center Stands Out on Campus
Beckerman’s award-winning design and welcoming atmosphere make it unique. Natural light, generous volumes, and clear sightlines ensure the building is both impressive and approachable. Its scale allows for campus-wide gatherings, yet its thoughtful design makes it comfortable for daily use. Paired with CENTERS’ embedded partnership model, these design strengths translate into seamless events, energized recreation, and a consistent sense of belonging that resonates with students long after they graduate.
About the Contributors
Jessica Scibek is in her fifth year overseeing the David A. Beckerman Recreation Center, where she leads operations and a comprehensive recreation program including member services, club sports, intramurals, student leadership, fitness, and wellness. She previously served at Southern Connecticut State University as Assistant Director of Recreation and Fitness and as part-time faculty in Exercise Science.
Jennifer Matune Smith is the editor of CENTERS’ Solutions and Impact newsletters. As CENTERS’ first Director of Marketing, she develops content and thought leadership pieces highlighting client success stories and industry best practices.