CENTREVILLE, MI -- To some, living in the dorms is a core part of college life. Many community college students don't have that opportunity, but students at Glen Oaks Community College do now.

Glen Oaks officials on Friday will dedicate the David H. and Patricia A. Devier Student Suites, making the college in Centreville the ninth community college in Michigan with a residence hall on campus.

Glen Oaks officials say they hope adding a residence hall will help the college, located about 35 miles southeast of Kalamazoo in St. Joseph County, attract students from a wider area.

"With limited housing in the region, the residence hall provides our students an opportunity to experience campus life while pursuing their education at a much lower cost," said David Devier, Glen Oaks president, in a news release. "Residential housing is a significant asset that gives us the opportunity to develop and offer 'niche' programs to attract students from across Michigan, northern Indiana and beyond."

The residence hall is named after Devier and his wife.

"This project is one that Dr. Devier conceived from the start in suggesting that we do the feasibility study, and to keeping us going down that route, including visiting other community college residence halls," said Joni Smith, a member of the college Board of Trustees, in a press release.

The $6.5 million facility was funded by a USDA Rural Development loan. Glen Oaks is the first Michigan community college to use a USDA loan for such a project.

The three-story residence hall includes two- and four-bedroom suites and totals 108 beds. Each suite has a full kitchen and is furnished. Shared amenities include a lobby, fireplace, and study and meeting rooms on each floor.

Costs are $3,100 per person per term for a two-bedroom suite and $2,800 for a four-bedroom suite.

More than 80 students have registered to reside in Devier Student Suites during the upcoming fall semester, with move-in beginning Saturday, Aug. 26.

The college has a cookout lunch planned for students, parents and staff, as well as events to welcome students Saturday evening.

Friday's grand opening ceremony, scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m., is open to the public.