Notre Dame announced plans Thursday to to establish a Community Learning Center in the former Goodwill building on North Eddy Street. University President Edward Malloy made the official announcement to more than 90 people who gathered at the building site.

The Community Learning Center (CLC) is a collaborative effort between the University and the northeast community of South Bend. The center will offer educational programs, recreational activities and health care services to both the students of Notre Dame and the residents of the northeast side.

As evident by the press conference, the overall mission of the community center is to improve the relationship between Notre Dame students and the northeast residents. South Bend residents Cheryle Ashe and Reverend Timothy Rouse along with Notre Dame sophomore Marguerite Clemency and senior John Micek shared the stage with Malloy.

Rouse said the Center is a great stride in creating a meeting place for these two communities while Micek stressed the importance for student involvement.

"This is an amazing opportunity for Notre Dame students to create an avenue bringing together the community and university," Micek said.

The CLC will furnish a variety of services and programs for both University students and northeast neighborhood residents. The Center will include a Computer Teaching and Learning Center equipped with 20 computers, educational software and Internet access — available to both students and residents.

Additionally, a Health Maintenance Center and Neighborhood Clinic operated by St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center will extend health services to the community. Along with informative health programs, the clinic will also give physical examinations, prenatal assessments and medical assistance.

The projected cost for the Center's completion is more than $500,000 and the annual operating budget is estimated at $300,000. The University has pledged to fund the renovation and the first year of the Center's staffing.

An advisory committee for the CLC is made up of numerous University administrators as well as local residents and religious, civic and government leaders. Currently, the CLC is applying for grants and performing a search for the Center's program director.

• Student forum offers few football ticket solutions
  
• Twenty-seven years after the University first admitted women, Notre Dame's band will officially undergo the Changing of the Guard
  
• ND to dedicate Learning Center
  
• University to help plan, create local
  
• Students fall victim to summer crime
  
• Alumni gifts to establish scholarship