Bismarck State College marks the opening of Lidstrom Hall, the new residence hall, on Thursday with a dedication ceremony and open house at 11 a.m. at 1330 Edwards Ave. Reception and tours follow the brief program. The public is invited.

Lidstrom Hall is named for former BSC President Kermit Lidstrom, who will give remarks before the ribbon cutting. Lidstrom was president from 1977 to 1995. Others speaking include BSC President Larry C. Skogen, University System Chancellor William Goetz, and BSC Board of Governors President Kristine Weippert.

The 35,000-square-foot co-ed residence hall is divided into four pods, with space for about 80 students. Each pod includes four suites designed for four students per suite to share a common living area, restroom and two bedrooms.

Each pod also has living quarters for a resident assistant, an ADA-accessible room for two students, and a pod lounge. Other features are a meeting room, main lounge, and a balcony overlooking the lounge.

BSC has two other residence halls, each with space for about 100 students. Werner Hall, the men's residence, was constructed in 1965. The women's residence, Swensen Hall, was built in 1972.