OVER 200 STUDENTS, faculty, staff and community members watched as officials with Missouri State University-West Plains cut a ribbon this morning, Sept. 20, to mark the grand opening of the university’s new $2.2 million student recreation center and community shelter.  The approximately 10,000-square-foot facility at the corner of Garfield Avenue and West Trish Knight Street was funded with a $1.3 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and an auxiliary bond (loan) that will be paid with funds generated from a student-approved fee.  Brief remarks praising everyone involved in the project were given by Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett, Missouri State University Interim President Clif Smart and current Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President Kassie Deal.  With the ribbon above are, from left, West Plains Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Judy Ingalsbe, 151st Dist. State Rep. Ward Franz (R-West Plains), Chamber Ambassador Jennifer Smith, Missouri State University Board of Governors member Mary Sheid, 2010-11 SGA Vice President Bethany Reed, 2010-11 SGA President Ezra Fling, West Plains Mayor Joe Evans, Bennett, Deal, Smart, 2009-10 SGA President Danelle Alkire, 2009-10 SGA Vice President Rick Taylor, and Chamber Executive Director Joanne Wix.  (Missouri State-West Plains Photo)