Native American Student and Community Center

The Native American Student and Community Center was designed in collaboration with the Native American community and stands as an enduring symbol of PSU's commitment to serving Native Americans throughout the metropolitan region, the state, and the nation. The Center was completed in 2002 and provides a meeting place for Native Americans throughout the region to gather, celebrate cultural traditions and discuss issues facing their communities. The building contains a computer lab for students, classrooms, and meeting and conference spaces. Visitors can learn about Native American traditions and historical and contemporary issues of importance to indigenous peoples.

Although the unique design and features of the building preceded a LEED rating, many aspects of this incredible building foster the sustainability goals of our campus. The Center includes a roof garden, which not only adds beauty to the building, but also mitigates storm water runoff and keeps the building cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. The building was designed to allow substantial natural light, cutting down on energy used in the facility for lighting. The Center is not air conditioned, but rather utilizes mechanically-assisted natural ventilation to keep it cool. Finally, the Center was built using certified sustainable wood products and local stone and brick. The building was also designed to maximize the solar energy of its location.