Student Union gets a makeover

Students at Viterbo have likely noticed the makeover happening to the Student Union. From new paint colors to completely rebuilding the desk, there have been many changes made to the Union starting in 2009 and ending in 2011. The entire cost for these renovations was around $93,000. As a result of these changes, "The Union is more unified, functional and contemporary," said Diane Brimmer, Vice President for Student Development.

 

Plans for the changes to the Student Union were very well thought out. It took time to decide what parts of the Union needed to be changed.

 

Joshua Kohnhorst, the president of the Student Government Association, stated, "The plans started back in February of 2009 with the 2008- 2009 Student Government." 

 

The decisions were also made among a large group of people. Before the renovations began an architect was hired by the head of the Physical Plant, Gene McCurdy. Brimmer says that during the beginning stage, "The architect presented plans. He suggested that the entire space might be upgraded to create community and provide a more attractive and inviting space to students.

 

These plans were reviewed and approved by a student and staff committee. The committee included students from SGA and RHC and staff members from Campus Safety, Campus Activities and Physical Plant."

 

The Student Union underwentseveral changes in two stages. "The first phase, which was completed in 2009-2010, was completed to expand security in the student union," Kohnhorst said.

 

Now that this phase is complete, the security office is located behind the student union desk because "Students asked that security officers become more visible; therefore, the security office was moved to the Student Union," Kohnhorst stated.

 

Prior to this change, the security office was located on the first floor of the Marian dorms. This area, which is called the Hawk's Nest, is also used as a place where students can go to play games like pool or different types of board games.

Another change that was made during this first stage was the complete reconstruction of the Student Union resource desk. The resource desk reconstruction was another safety measure. The new desk allows the desk assistants to see the people who are coming in both the front and back doors of the Union. Being able to see both of the entrances allows the desk workers to keep the Union safer for the residences living in the dorms.

 

"The cost of the first phase was approximately $48,000 which included demolition of the old desk area, the new desk construction, and the construction of the new security office," Kohnhorst said.

 

The second phase was completed during Christmas vacation in 2010-2011. The second phase of the project was intended "to improve service and to create a warmer feeling for current and prospective students," Kohnhorst said. "The cost of the second phase was $45,000 which included replacement carpeting, laminate flooring, painting, a new computer desk with chairs, and new furniture around the television area."

 

These updates were made because, according to both Brimmer and Kohnhorst, there was a great deal of the Union that was going unused by students. After putting in the new furniture, more students have been using the television area and more people are using the computers because, as Brimmer puts it, "the furniture and computer station are more comfortable."

 

People may be wondering where the money for these projects came from. Every year the SGA sets aside money for special projects, and when the idea that the Student Union could be renovated to increase safety and appeal was presented, it was voted on and decided that that was where the money would be best spent. Over all, the Student Union has become safer and more inviting and comfortable.

 

Both Kohnhorst and Brimmer feel that the Student Union has turned out much better than anyone could have hoped.

 

"The SGA and the committee are very pleased with the results of the recent renovation as well as the increased security presence in the union." Kohnhorst said.

 

Kohnhorst also said that there is a committee in place working to feature, in the Student Union, art worked created by Viterbo University students. Look for more information about that in the future. The many changes made to the Union will likely have "a long-term positive impact on student life at Viterbo" and "SGA and the project committee should be congratulated on a job well done," said Brimmer.