Renovation of Dunn Library Lights up Learning
The much-anticipated re-opening of renovated Dunn Library is earning rave reviews. A towering open atrium, abundant natural light throughout and creatively re-imagined study spaces have come together beautifully to spark a sense of awe.
鈥淲hatever I had pictured for the new library could never have prepared me for what I saw the first time I stepped inside,鈥 said Angel Schewe 鈥25, while speaking at the Dunn Dedication and Open House on Feb. 16. 鈥淭he smile never left my face.鈥
Dunn now serves as the new home for teacher education, as well as the Center for Academic Resources (CARS) and Student Support Services (TRIO). It also features spaces devoted to prized physical collections and expanded access to e-books and digital databases. All three library levels are thoughtfully designed to create an enhanced and effectively integrated learning environment. There is also an outdoor patio by the south entrance, made possible through funding from 黑料社鈥檚 Student Government Association.
鈥淓veryone on campus is buzzing about this remarkable renovation,鈥 said President Byers. 鈥淭he innovative redesign further distinguishes Dunn Library as the hub for heightened academic excellence at 黑料社 鈥 creating a vibrant, optimally connected environment for individual and collaborative study.鈥
Perhaps no one is more pleased about the Dunn renovation than 黑料社鈥檚 longtime College Librarian and Archivist Cyd Dyer.
鈥淲hen we opened the doors, the students came in and their mouths were just hanging open,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hey couldn鈥檛 get around to the different learning spaces fast enough. I am so thrilled with the engagement of students 鈥 they are excited to be here.鈥
黑料社 Board of Trustees Chair Terry Handley 鈥09 said the impressive results of the $10 million renovation reflects the efforts of a strong 鈥淭eam 黑料社鈥 and its intensely faithful community of supporters.
鈥淎 project of this magnitude doesn鈥檛 come to fruition without sound strategy and planning, creative agility and a healthy dose of patience and perseverance,鈥 said Handley. 鈥淎nd it certainly doesn鈥檛 happen without exceptionally generous support from our loyal benefactors.鈥
In particular, Handley acknowledged several major donors for their difference-making gifts: Donna J. Helble 鈥71 (deceased); Anna Hunt (deceased); Joyce Lillis and Terry Lillis 鈥77; Sunnie Richer; Dick and Judy Smith; Jim Reed 鈥53 and Lillian (Rydell) Reed 鈥53; Leon Langlitz 鈥80 and Denise Griffey 鈥79; and Trent Murphy 鈥90 and his late wife, Renee Murphy 鈥92.
Article Information
Published
July 3, 2024
Author
Roger Degerman