While students spent their summer traveling, volunteering and working, Capital University tackled projects designed to improve the environment for the people who live, learn and work here.
“Each year, we reinvest millions of dollars to enhance and modernize classrooms, technology, residence halls and other structures that support us as we carry out our mission of transforming lives through higher education,” explained Capital President Denvy A. Bowman. “Since 2008, the University has invested about $16 million in upgrading, energy efficiency, safety, information technology, air quality, and aesthetics at the Bexley and Law School campuses. As we move toward our future, and realize our strategic plan, we will continue investing to create a physical environment that supports our shared vision for Capital.”
The University works hard to ensure that the campus environment stimulates students academically, socially and culturally, said Dr. Richard M. Ashbrook, provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs.
“It’s part of our commitment to student engagement broadly defined, so that we’re educating the whole student,” he said. “We recognize that significant parts of learning take place outside the classroom.
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Returning students, campus newcomers and visiting alumni will appreciate
the nearly $5 million worth of recent renovations, which include the
modernization of the Bridge of Learning classroom, landscaping projects,
the creation of a new recording studio and upgrades to the track and
turf at Bernlohr Stadium.
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Classroom Upgrade
Members of the Capital Crusaders football team were among the first students to experience the high-tech learning environment created in the Bridge of Learning. The team used the room’s sophisticated visual equipment to review and study its performance on the field during pre-season practices. This week, students had their first chance to see how the room’s state-of-the-art audio and visual technology, which includes five projection screens, can enhance their classroom experience.
“It can be used in so many innovative ways,” Ashbrook said. “It’s got great sound and visual capabilities. It’s rich in technology.”
The room, with its combination of fixed and movable seating, also will be used for guest lectures and Capital University Board of Trustee meetings.
Stadium Improvements
Student-athletes and sports fans will appreciate the changes at Bernlohr Stadium. Capital is one of the first Division III schools to install FieldTurf Revolution on its football field. The selection of the turf, used by many National Football League teams, demonstrates the school’s commitment to maintaining top-notch athletic facilities. The heavy-duty material also means that the field can be used for intramural and club sports.
The track around the field also was resurfaced, and a lane and areas for track and field events also were added, explained Director of Athletics Dawn Stewart. The Track and Field and Cross Country teams can now use the area for practice.
CELT Relocation
The relocation of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching to the second floor of the library also is intended to aid students. The new location has more space for students to study, work in small groups and focus on academic success. The library will undergo more renovations in the coming years.
New Music Studio
Music technology students will find cutting-edge analog and digital recording equipment in a new multifunctional recording studio that was constructed in Leonard Hall. The space is designed to function as a teaching studio and will allow students to create audio and media projects including audio-for-video, video games, online tutorials, stereo and surround sound mixes, and much more. The room has slanted walls, a floating floor and other features meant to improve sound quality, said Beth Anne Carman, director of facilities management.
“The music studio is a good example of how we collaborate with the stakeholders and the design and engineering team to deliver a finished project that meets the expectation and needs of
the end users,” she said.
“With the added benefit of connecting two remote recording spaces, a large percussion rehearsal space and sizable classroom, the new Studio E recording studio will offer many opportunities for the students in the Music Technology area to get a hands-on education with the technology they will use throughout their careers,” Chad Loughrige, assistant professor in the Conservatory of Music, said.
New Gathering Spaces
Two recently completed landscaping projects have made the campus more appealing for those who live, learn, work and visit there, said Susan Tate, vice president of Business and Finance. Numerous trees and ornamental grasses were planted in the courtyard behind Lohman Complex, a popular spot for students to sunbathe and hang out. Capital also carved out mini oasis at the Admission and Welcome Center by adding a patio with seating.
“People feel better when they have trees and flowers,” she said. “We’re lucky that even though we’re located in a fairly urban area, we have a lot of attractive green space.”
More Campus Improvement Projects
Other recent campus improvements include:
- Replacing five of the six elevators in the Law School. The new elevators provide safer more reliable and accessible service.
- Fixing the mortar between the bricks of Kerns Religious Life Center. The repair increases the building’s energy efficiency, helps weather proof the building and improves its appearance.
- Replacing shingles and the soffit on the Harry C. Moores Campus Center building. The roof repair will prevent leaks and contribute to the building’s longevity.