A long-time champion of the new Student Union at the Daytona Beach Campus, Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini (HonDoc ’13, ’79, ’82) is now also its namesake. Hosseini expressed his gratitude at the honor during a dedication ceremony on Oct. 25, 2018.

“I could not have imagined [when I was a student] that I would be standing here tonight within the walls of this magnificent new building,” he said, before an audience that included U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Florida Gov. Rick Scott. “Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University runs through my veins and lives in my heart, and my commitment to the success of this university is something I will never let go of.”

Hosseini added, “This is not about me — this is about our children. This is about our students, and this is about the future of our country.”

Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler lauded Hosseini’s efforts to secure more than $60 million in grants for the university throughout his time on the board. “I have never known one person to make such a profound difference in an institution and to give so much of their time and treasure to one place,” Butler said.

Located at the heart of campus, the building offers unique opportunities for students to collaborate. A towering, triple-height commons anchors and integrates the collaborative social and learning interiors.

Wrapping this space are lounges and study rooms, dining options and quiet corners, as well as the Jack Hunt Memorial Library. An outdoor terrace provides a view of aircraft on final approach to Daytona Beach International Airport’s runway 25R-7L, and even rocket launches from Cape Canaveral.

“It is the students’ union, first and foremost,” Butler said, noting that Embry-Riddle students have committed to supporting half the cost of the $75 million building. “It is an open-hearted and welcoming space for our alumni, friends, families and community. We thank everyone who has been a part of this monumental project, and we hope everyone in the community will stop by and visit the Mori Hosseini Student Union.”