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Campus Happenings
September 2007
New and returning students were very pleased to find improvements to facilities throughout the PLU campus. This past summer, construction crews, painters, and even goats could be found on campus working hard to ready the facilities for the 2007-2008 academic year. Highlights include the renovated Tinglestad residence hall, the transformation of the University Center, the renovation of the athletic training facility, and the grand opening of the Garfield Commons featuring the new off-campus bookstore, the Garfield Book Company at PLU.
The tallest residence hall on campus is the third hall in the past three summers to be remodeled. “The focus is on sustainability and the quality of student living by increasing privacy, making living areas more comfortable and homey, and increasing community interaction. Also, on safety and security,” said Stephanie Serventi, operations manager for residential life. The building’s energy efficiency has been improved, along with privacy improvements to bathroom shower stalls, new room furnishings, and the addition of a first floor lounge for student gatherings. Tingelstad has also been retrofitted for earthquakes and had a sprinkler system installed for fire safety.
This summer 270 goats could be seen, smelled, and heard on campus in an effort to clear years of undergrowth and brush. Goats create less wear and tear on the soil and native vegetation, they usually cost less than hiring a crew to work heavy machinery and their droppings fertilize as they go. It was estimated that the cost to hire goats was a quarter or less of what it would cost to clear the bush in a more traditional method. Eventually, university
officials might groom the area into an on-campus park or natural area,
said David Kohler, director of facilities management.
The University Center, for the first time in 30-year history, has been renovated. The improvements include an expanded dining hall, additional meeting and conference space and more student gathering areas. The outside entrance to The Cave opens onto a new concrete plaza opening new opportunities for campus events and club activities. It is hoped that the building will obtain a silver certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.
PLU’s training room in Olson Gymnasium has more than doubled in size after a summer renovation. The facility was expanded into a neighboring squash court, which created additional space for stretching, taping and treatment of injuries. Additionally, the whirlpool area has been completely enclosed, and offices were created for head athletic trainer Gary Nicholson and assistant athletic trainer Jen Thomas '98.
The Garfield Commons brings a new excitement to the campus and surrounding community. The Garfield Book Company offers textbooks along with items typically carried by college bookstores. The new store will also provide products for the greater Parkland community, such as a large general book section and a children’s learning area. Other tenants in the Garfield Commons include Origin 23 coffee house, Farelli's Gourmet Wood Fired Pizza, Desert Sun Tanning, Emerald City Smoothies, a teriyaki restaurant, and a Pita Pit.
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