By Shelly Williams and Steve Knight/managing editor and editor-in-chief

Doors swung open this past Monday as the Trinity River Campus officially opened to the public.

After TCC’s acquisition of the 929,000 square-foot campus property in 2008 and months of renovations to what was known as the RadioShack corporate headquarters in downtown Fort Worth, the riverfront campus started its first year with an enrollment of approximately 3,500 students.

Trinity River student Nick Smith, a political science major, transferred to the new campus from NE.

“I am excited to be part of the inaugural student body,” he said. “It’s going to be a better fit for me because I’ve been to two different schools, and I’ve never been to a campus that had faculty ask your opinion and then have something happen because of it. They’re very helpful.”

The school features hundreds of art displays, both from professionals and amateurs, and will display student art as the year goes on.

“The building is fascinating,” Smith said.

“You can tell they took students into consideration when they renovated the building. It’s amazing.”

TR Campus also welcomes visitors and students with its 7,000-square-foot, two-story Idea Store. The building includes multiple video projectors, a green screen room, an open conference room, flat screen TVs and a 4-D theater room that can ignite the senses. The area will be used to help spark education motivation with its advanced technology, said Trinity River project manager Tasi Hines in a Collegian article in the spring.

With five different buildings, numerous academic classrooms, a 30,000 square-foot library and open faculty offices called interdisciplinary pods, faculty members are looking forward to the opportunities available to them this year.

“There’s lots of opportunity to start programs from scratch and see the campus grow and evolve,” said TR health and physical education assistant professor Jason Wooten.

During the first week of classes, students can participate in TR’s welcome week. Party at the Plaza will provide music, free hot dogs and other refreshments.

Other activities include writing workshops, a blood drive, opportunities to sign up for clubs and organizations, coupons from local businesses and the chance to play Rock Band and Madden ’09.

“Perhaps most importantly, since we are a new campus, we will have several smiling faculty, staff and student leaders available throughout our buildings each day to help students find their way,” TR student development services director Michael Baumgardner said.

“We hope though this week that students will make connections with other students, faculty and staff, that they will also feel valued here and will enjoy being here as we are very fortunate to have so much to offer.”

The campus is planning an official dedication day to the new school Oct. 23 but is still in the process of planning the event.

“We are excited. We are happy,” said TR President Tahita Fulkerson.

“We believe we have an extraordinary staff and beautiful facility, and we are looking forward to serving a new population.”