Paige Miller, Features Editor
Asbury University is buzzing with change and energy not only because new and returning students are back on campus but because of all the renovations that took place this summer. For most of us, summer is our time to rejuvenate and relax, but with the recent changes to the campus landscape, it is clear that Asbury made improving campus facilities a priority this summer.
With a new entrance to the Z.T. Johnson Cafeteria, new branding and a team suite added to the Luce Center, the updated Center for Wholeness and Wellness (the combination of the Counseling Center and Health Clinic) and a drastic renovation to the lobby of Kresge Residence Hall, campus is ready for returning students. Why make these changes to campus? Were they necessary? Did the Luce really need an upgrade?
“Our goal is for this program to become one of the best options nationally for a prospective student who is seeking a Christian liberal arts education and a quality athletic experience,” said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mark Whitworth. “The enhancements to the Luce will be instrumental in achieving this goal.”
Just as Whitworth desires to see results from these renovations, Kim Levengood, resident director of Kresge Residence Hall, hopes for the same. Levengood said that Kresge renovations had been talked about for awhile, but she knew they were finally happening when the lobby carpet was pulled up the Monday after graduation back in May.
Levengood has already seen the impact and has recognized the renovations add “a new dose of energy” to the residence hall. Kresge is known by most students on Asbury’s campus as a maze, and Levengood has chosen to challenge the occupants of this dorm to “embrace the maze.” She hopes the renovations and increased hall events will encourage camaraderie and help residents “emphasize and promote and embrace the best features of Kresge.”
Certainly this is the hope behind all of campus’ improvements as students adapt to the changes and learn to embrace newest features of Asbury.
