Construction seems to be a constant condition at Slippery Rock University, where five building projects worth a combined $27 million are scheduled to begin this year at the state-owned institution. They include:

• A $24.5 million renovation of 800-seat Miller Auditorium that will add a 300-seat dance performance space, a “black box” theater with 300 seats, additional rehearsal space, classrooms, offices and an expanded lobby. The 22,803 square-foot structure will grow by two and a half times to 58,753 square feet.

• Kraus Hall, a former residence hall, will be demolished and a parking lot will be constructed on its former site at a cost of $800,000.

• The swimming pool area of the Morrow Field House will be renovated for about $600,000.

• Some older steam lines on campus will be replaced at a cost of $800,000.

• A dek hockey rink will be installed for $165,000.

In a number of ways, the projects benefit the community, the campus and its students. The benefits extend far beyond the construction payroll dollars being pumped into the economy.

A study commissioned by the university in 2010 found that for students and taxpayers alike, SRU has been a sound investment, providing increased income potential for graduates and an ample supply of teachers and other highly trained professionals throughout the region.

The school’s expenditure of taxpayer funds “creates a wide range of positive social benefits and, perhaps more importantly, actually returns more to government budgets than it costs,” states the study, The Economic Contributions of Slippery Rock University. “Without these increased tax receipts and avoided costs provided by SRU education, state and local government would have to raise taxes to make up for lost revenues and added costs.”

The school also attracts permanent residents to the region, according to the study, which identifies the counties of Butler, Mercer, Lawrence, Beaver and Allegheny as its primary service area. The study found a net gain of graduates in this region — more students settling here after graduating than the number of residents from this region who enrolled in the first place. These graduates earn more, pay more taxes and contribute more to society than nongraduates.

What brings them here is a, bustling, growing campus, a university that continues to build and grow on the traditions of a teachers college established in 1889. That first year, 167 students were enrolled; enrollment today is about 8,800.

Since 2000, the university has committed nearly $300 million to construction and campus improvements. Over that same time span, academic and student retention data improved dramatically. Average SAT scores rose from 945 to 1018 and average grade-point average increased from 2.99 to 3.49, indicating the university is attracting not only more students, but better students both in terms intellectual potential and academic performance.

The evidence suggests a better campus attracts a better student body, and a better student body contributes to the vibrancy of a community.

That’s a foundation on which we all can continue to build.