This past summer Duquesne experienced one of the busiest periods in the University’s history for improvements to its buildings and infrastructure.
Though no new buildings were erected, large-scale construction projects have transformed the appearance and function of several campus buildings. For example, Duquesne Towers got an addition on the building’s north side, a mirror image of the one added in 2012. The new addition houses the offices of Campus Ministry.
Libermann Hall had extensive improvements on four of its eight floors, in addition to undergoing the second phase of a two-year safety infrastructure upgrade. The building now is home to the School of Leadership and Professional Advancement and the Educational Technology Group, both of which moved from Rockwell. Additionally, it houses Duquesne’s new interdisciplinary biomedical engineering program as well as selected offices of the Enrollment Management Group.
Noteworthy among the changes in Rockwell is the renovation of Room 308, which has been transformed into a collaborative learning environment with the latest technology for video and digital connectivity. Lining the rooms walls are an array of seven video monitors, one of them a 72-inch Mondopad, a combined touch-screen video monitor and interactive whiteboard with software that simplifies interfacing with personal digital devices.
Rockwell’s stairways have new tread throughout, and the walls sport paint in a palette of cool hues. Motion sensitive LED lights brighten the stairways, and posters bearing portraits of business innovators from Carnegie to Zuckerberg, along with epigrams attributed to them, are there to inspire. According to Director of Design and Construction Mark Minsoki, the stairway improvements are a way to invite students to take the stairs, for their health and to shorten waiting times and relieve occupancy pressure on elevators when classes change.
Though the floor plan in the Commuter Center in the Duquesne Union remains unchanged, the suite of rooms looks far different than it did before the summer break. New furniture, flooring, wall coverings and ceilings were installed, and the upgrade includes an ADA compliant restroom and a refurbished kitchenette. The first-floor lobby, the NiteSpot and The Off Ramp dining area were remodeled as well.
Likewise, in other areas across campus, new paint, carpeting, flooring and furniture will be easy to spot, though new lighting fixtures, electrical improvements, or upgrades to elevators and fire alarm systems may require a keen eye. Similarly inconspicuous are the masonry and roofing repairs, and new windows.
Changes, detectable or not, are providing the benefits of remodeling, renovation and infrastructure upgrades across much of campus.