"Center for Tomorrow, a bright new look"

The Center for Tomorrow (CFT) has received a facelift, including new environmentally friendly features that bring the building up to date.

This collaborative project between Campus Catering and the UB Foundation took approximately six months to complete. The renovation was necessary because the last renovation was some time ago, according to David A. Voyer, director of Campus Catering.

The renovation was both operationally and aesthetically necessary, according to Raymond J. Kohl, marketing manager of Campus Dining & Shops.

"As UB's only dedicated conference center, the CFT needed to be updated to continue to provide the level of service that is expected from a leading university," Voyer said.

A variety of features were installed at the CFT. One cost-effective new feature is the energy saving lighting system, which increases brightness while using 4,896 watts of energy, compared to the previous 15,448 watts, according to Voyer.

Other new features include a high efficiency ventilation system, five-room acoustic partitions, audio system and carpeting. Campus Catering is extremely pleased with the new looks and features, according to Kohl.

The wall partitions can divide the main ballroom into five separate rooms if necessary, as well as allow access to a main hallway.

"The five separate rooms allows us to accommodate several smaller type sessions at the same time or offers a single conference the ability to have break out sessions," Voyer said.

Campus Catering will use these new features to host more than 300 events a year at the CFT ranging from UB affiliated events to wedding receptions, according to Kohl.

"The first event held at the newly renovated CFT was an open house to highlight Campus Catering and some of the services we offer to UB departments," Voyer said.

Tom Matikainen, a freshman engineering major, thinks that SA groups should be able to use the renovated facilities for events.

"I'm excited anytime improvements are made to UB to create an even better atmosphere on campus," Matikainen said.

The CFT is a multi-purpose center, housing the UB Foundation, Alumni Relations, and Campus Catering, and with the new upgrades will become a conference venue.

Kohl also hopes student organizations will take advantage of the newly renovated space for programs and meetings.

"With the tremendous amount of people that come through our doors each year, it's important to [Campus Catering] and our guests to have an attractive and user-friendly conference area," Kohl said.