“We
wanted to replace the 1970s institutional feel
of the space with more modern, functional, and
comfortable seating where students can gather
and study,” Executive Director Dr. Daniel
Hall said. “Next summer, new lighting
will be added and the room also will become
our history room highlighting Miami Hamilton
events and memorabilia. In addition, we are
very pleased to announce that the newly decorated
space will carry the name of one of our former
executive directors, Dr. Jack Rhodes, who served
from 1995-2002.”
Throughout
campus, students will find other new seating
areas and study areas as staff worked to create
more comfortable areas for students. “Many
of our students are coming to us from recently
constructed or renovated high schools that have
the latest furniture, labs, and equipment. We
have begun what will be several years of renovations
to our most dated facilities. Our students and
faculty need and deserve to have facilities
that are modern, that support the academic enterprise,
and that enrich student life. Given declining
state support for such projects, we are optimizing
our cost efficiency in these projects, Hall
said.
“For example, we converted our small,
dark weight room into a large, lively fitness
center. To do this, we refurbished all of the
existing equipment. As a result, only a couple
of new pieces of equipment had to be purchased.
Also, donations of weight equipment and rubber
flooring helped keep costs down. With paint
and new lighting, what appears to be a project
valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars,
came in just under $50,000," Hall said.
Other renovations this summer included new sidewalks
and upgrades to existing patio areas and new
signage around campus. Parrish Auditorium received
new stage draperies and new chairs. The fourth
floor science labs in Mosler also are being
renovated.
More renovations will soon get underway as the
university is making plans to move the campus
bookstore from Mosler Hall to Schwarm Commons.
This will give the bookstore 200 more feet of
display space and allow for the renovation of
Schwarm Commons, also known as The Harrier’s
Nest.
With the bookstore move, work can then begin
on renovating the Admission, Records and Financial
Aid space located in Mosler. The offices will
be expanded to create a more welcoming and user-friendly
atmosphere. The projected timing for these projects
to begin construction is the spring of 2006. |
