REXBURG, Idaho — Groundbreaking ceremonies for the final phase of expansion at Brigham Young University-Idaho will be Oct. 31 immediately following a regularly scheduled 2 p.m. devotional on the campus in Rexburg.

Elder David A. Bednar, member of the Quorum of the Twelve for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and former president of BYU-Idaho, will be the devotional speaker.

The groundbreaking will follow for a new 12,000-seat auditorium and expansion of the Manwaring Student Center, which represents the final phase of plans announced in June 2000 by LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley to effect the transition of the school — formerly known as Ricks College — to university status.

The plans address two primary areas of university needs: "facilities where students can gather together as well as build and inspire one another, and critically needed space for the activities program," according to a press release.

The auditorium, to be built immediately south of the John W. Hart Physical Education Building, will primarily serve as a center for campus devotionals, commencement ceremonies and a variety of events.

Renovation and expansion of the Manwaring Center will be focused on the building's north side, with an enclosed pedestrian connection to the neighboring David O. McKay Library.

The Manwaring Center was originally completed in 1966 and named in honor of Ricks College's eighth president. It houses the University Bookstore, food services and various functions of the activities program.