Photo by Maddie Kauffman
Elizabethtown College is constantly striving to improve for the students, staff, and faculty. The College underwent several smaller, but still important, changes over the summer.
The Vera Hackman Apartments underwent major renovations during the summer. Currently, students are only living in Hackman South. Hackman Area Coordinator and Assistant Director of Residence Life for Independent Living Experiences Dominick DiLoreto spoke about the many improvements to the apartments.
He emphasized that the HVAC systems in both buildings were replaced in order to avoid any issues with microbial growth. Additional changes include new nonporous flooring, new baseboards, new cabinets and appliances, remodeled bathrooms and new paint jobs for the hallways and stairwells. Many of these changes are on display in the demonstration unit in Hackman South.
DiLoreto reported that he is not of aware there being any major issues during construction. Everyone involved in the project was very pleased that Hackman South was ready for students to move in.
DiLoreto said Residence Life received “a lot of positive feedback” about the new rooms, especially the new floors and cabinets. However, many students were not fans of the furniture in the main area, so Residence Life has decided to change it, using student feedback.
At this point, there are no concrete plans for moving students from Hackman South to North once renovations are complete. DiLoreto stressed that communication with residents is a top priority for these future plans.
Changes were also made to first-year orientation. Senior Peer Mentor Julia Aleo spoke about the changes.
“Orientation went a lot better this year,” she said. “A lot smoother.”
She stressed that orientation weekend was much less structured overall, with briefer sessions, more breaks and a choice between doing the first-year walk or service. Many of these changes were made due to student feedback from last year’s first-year orientation.
Aleo also reported that the first-years “appreciated” their extra free time, and they made more “connections” with students outside of their FYS classes, as well as with their resident assistants.
The Honors Center was moved to Myer Residence Hall and is now located between the residence building and the Susquehanna Room. Dean for Curriculum and Honors Dr. Brian Newsome said that the office was looking for an opportunity to move the center for awhile because the previous location in Wenger was “not [ADA] accessible.” They were able to secure the space last year after BCA Study Abroad moved out.
The new Honors Center improved many of its original features while adding new ones. The space includes offices for staff, classrooms, study rooms, a kitchen and a large, open lounge area. Newsome called the lounge a “community space” with a TV and easy access to the kitchen, offices and study spaces. He said that everyone working on moving the Honors Center was “conscious of resources,” so they decided to use furniture from BCA and the High Library for the lounge. There is also an outdoor space, which was already utilized during fall orientation.
Newsome said the student reaction to the new center has been “nothing but positive.” The students especially enjoyed the study spaces and the natural light throughout the lounge.
He also said he hopes that future events will be hosted in the Honors Center, such as the Holiday Banquet in the conjunction with the Susquehanna Room, game nights and FYS activities.
Finally, over the summer, the first floor of the High Library was remodeled. Director of the High Library Sarah Penniman discussed these changes. The first floor now has LED lighting, new ceiling tiles and ceiling grid, a new paint job, new carpeting and new furniture.
The High Library received external funding for these renovations.
However, Penniman is most excited about the inclusion of the Idea Lab, where both students and professors can submit ideas to encourage learning, spark conversations and inspire others. Penniman said she believes the space will “showcase scholarship” and “further innovation.” She also said she hopes that future High Library events will be hosted in, or at least include, the Idea Lab.
So far, the student reaction to the improved High Library has been positive. However, Penniman says there is “still more to come.” A Starbucks kiosk will be installed on the first floor and will be ready to use by mid-September. The library is an “evolving space,” and Penniman said she is looking forward to the future.
