The purpose of this dissertation is to examine if the interplay of age and gender impact the level of influence a campus based student recreation center exerts on a student's decision to choose and remain at a college or university. This study is theoretically based in Tinto's Student Engagement Model 1975 and supported by later scholarly work. Data were collected at a single medium sized university in the Western United States using Check Box electronic survey distribution technology and a self-created instrument. Three hundred and sixty-seven completed surveys were analyzed using 2x2 Factorial Analysis of Variance. Results show that gender does not appear to be a factor, however, age does play a significant role. Recommendations for the profession and future research are provided. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]