Making progress
Latest TVCC campus
improvements underway
By LARRY MEYER
ARGUS OBSERVER
Sunday, September 7, 2008 12:32 AM PDT
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| Darren Wilson (right) and Clayton Tolman, members of the Treasure Valley Community College maintenance crew, work on the plumbing of a new fountain in a planned outdoor courtyard near Barber Hall and the TVCC Student Services Center. |
ONTARIO — The look and atmosphere of the Treasure Valley Community College campus continues to evolve as construction projects are completed and others begin.
One of the latest is the courtyard project underway between the Student Services Center, the Performing Arts Center and Barber Hall, which, when finished, will become an outdoor area for student gatherings.
This project is No. 4 on a list of 10 that student leaders put together in an effort to prioritize desired improvements at the college.
“It’s kind of a gathering place for students and the community,” Abby Lee, TVCC public information officer, said of the newest project. “We’re going to have an information center there.”
The information kiosk will include a map of the campus for visitors and a posting of college activities and is the result of a donation by Malheur Credit Union.
The focal point of what is being referred to as the courtyard, which formerly was a large expanse of grass, will be a fountain at the center and will include trees, picnic tables, river rock, benches and lighting.
Funding for the courtyard and other projects is a joint effort of the TVCC Associated Student Government, the TVCC Foundation board and the college administration.
“Other businesses have been donating through the foundation,” Lee said.
Part of the funding is being raised through the sale of commemorative bricks, which can be used to honor the memories of loved ones, honor military personnel, advertise a company, provide a gift to a family member, promote an organization or to leave a legacy. Prices are $50 for a small brick, $100 for a large brick and $150 for a large brick that includes a logo and two lines of text.
“People can still donate bricks,” Lee said. “We encourage people to be a part of it.”
Other sponsorships can be for light poles, trees, tables, rocks and benches.
“We’re excited about having a central location (for students to gather),” Lee said, adding it could be used for outdoor receptions and other events. “It will really enhance the campus.”
The project is part of an ongoing effort by college officials to make additions and improvements to existing facilities. The associated student government has laid out a long-term list of goals, with a focus on capital projects. Called “10 in 10,” the plan identifies projects to be completed in 10 years.
The first two projects, the new housing facility and the installation of the campus-wide information system, have been finished.
Along with the courtyard project, construction and furnishing of lounges on campus, which will provide study space for all students, is also in progress.
Already finished are the bistro in Barber Hall and a lounge in the Weese Building, which includes sofas and other furniture, besides tables for study.
Other projects on the list include a technologically-advanced student performance area in the Weese Building, an electronic reader board, construction of a track and field complex on campus, an enhanced main entrance to the campus, construction of a new library facility and creation of a formal student union facility.
