Spring and summer projects improve campus

Chartwells food service remodeled dramatically the dining facilities in the Toner Student Center, and installed a new Mugby Junction coffee shop outside the Cardinal Club.

The university made a number of improvements last summer to the living and learning environments at the Winona campus. The late-spring and summer projects – funded from within the 2009-10 and 2010-11 budgets – include some significant and popular additions, as well as less noticeable but equally important renovations of facilities, residence hall roofs, and the resurfacing of the roadway.

Faculty member Dr. Ned Kirk checked the acoustics of the new Page Theatre shell.

One exciting project was the late-May installation of an acoustic shell system for the Page Theatre. The steel shell, specifically designed and engineered for the SMU theatre, blends with the architecture, and is surrounded by oak laminate. It stands 25 feet high by 44 feet wide and features two flying “clouds” with built-in lighting. The professional shell will benefit our own performers, and enhance our ability to host a larger variety of outside musical performances. The purchase of the shell was made possible by a gift from the estate of Joseph C. Page.

Major improvements were made to the aerobic fitness and weight areas of the Gostomski Fieldhouse. The weight room is newly painted, three new flat screen TVs have been mounted in the aerobic area, and new equipment was secured for both areas.