Thomas and Lightner Renovations Impress

The Thomas and Lightner renovations are complete, after three summers of work. As always with residence hall renovations, the priorities are safety, comfort, and then amenities. The first phase of the project was an upgraded fire alarm and sprinkler system. The heating and cooling was completed and then this summer a lot of work was done in rooms and corridors.

Thomas Hall will be a Sophomore College building and Lightner is for juniors and seniors -- as part of the upperclass area. The big little change in Thomas is ceiling fans. This is an addition introduced by Director of Physical Plant John Greene. I was not very supportive until I saw the ceiling fans. I do worry about maintenance and wear (okay, and drunk guys) but I think the fans will make the rooms feel more homey.

In Lightner, the floor lounges are complete (they weren't carpeted last year). The rooms were improved similar to the ones in Thomas Hall. The cherry on the top of all of this is the Lightner Tea Room (pictured). It is now fully accessible. It will also be open to residents 24/7 and will also be available as a program space. I would like to see some wine and cheese events up there for seniors with faculty.

To see more photos of the renovation, scroll all the way to the bottom of the blog to view some slide shows. What do you think? See the poll at right (and down). Not pictured is the new computer lab on the third floor of Thomas Hall.

The renovations worked aout to about $60,000 per room. That is pretty staggering, but most of the costs are in the building infrastructure. Under John Greene's leadership, the renovations were done to LEEDS specifications. The beds and chairs are even environmentally friendly.

Washington Heights

The Student Affairs staff participated in a one-day workshop with presenter Dr. Jamie Washington on July 16. The session was intended for all of our staff members to continue to explore the important issues around culture, power, and our interconnectedness as a community. This is important to the Student Affairs staff, as our strategic and programmatic plans are to develop competencies in these areas with our students.

The staff is responsible for helping students explore issues on living and working with others who share similar and different backgrounds and perspectives. This supports the staff's mission to develop true global citizens.This workshop was just the beginning for the staff in considering the subtle and persistent issues that we all face while trying to create a just and caring world.

Pictured: Mary Butler of the Mail Center spends time with VP Felicia Lee at the morning breakfast. Residential Life Coordinators can be seen in the background preparing to take the day seriously. Reverend Nickle makes an important point to Ankita Rakhe, of CCI.

We're Bad... We're Nationwide

Trinity University has gone national with the attention our athletes and former athletes have been receiving. First, one of the real good guys, Jerheme Urban, is heading back to NFL training camp again. Jerheme is in his second season with the Arizona Cardinals. He is a 2003 graduate of Trinity University and starred here in track and as a wide receiver on the football team. Not only has he come back and helped with Athletics here on campus, he has also held a camp in his community, took time to work with the Dean's son (an aspiring high school receiver at Central Catholic), and most importantly, is married to a former RA and star in her own right.

Second, out of nowhere, Trinity baseball is in the news with the relationship that has been sparked between major league sensation Josh Beckett and members of the Trinity baseball team. Zach Fregosi sent along an ESPN story that is really fantastic and lots of fun. Mr. Beckett was on campus the day after the All Star game, pitching in front of baseball campers and another Tuttle son, who reported his fast ball had plenty of velocity.

Finally, the football players, coaches, and announcers involved with the Miracle in Mississippi apparently had a great time at the ESPYs, which aired on July 20 on ESPN. James Hill from Athletics has sent along a link to a KAAB Sports feature. Go to Sports and then Sports Video on Demand to see a terrific piece.

The soccer team unofficially won the championship this year and baseball had its own miracle. Congratulations to all of our athletes!