| Celebration Marks Reopening of Faculty Lounge |
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| Written by Aha Blume | |
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The renovated faculty lounge in Normal Hall was a buzz
with excitement on Feb. 7, as many members of the faculty and staff came to mix
and mingle and share stories. Also
present were members of Key Bank, whose foundations co-funded the project with
UMPI. A lot of work occurred over the past few months to make this re-opening possible. A committee met and made a to-do list and budget. The committee was co-chaired by John DeFelice.  DeFelice spoke at the opening saying that they "wanted a warm inviting room to be used as much as possible." The committee coordinated on the plans for the furniture, floor and artwork. Members of the committee included Shirley Ballard and Keith Madore, who were also on hand to see the fruition of their hard work. DeFelice stated that he was please with how it went and the committee was thrilled when Key Bank Foundation decided to help out. "It was great support," said DeFelice. Steve St. Pierre, one of the Key Bank members present at the event, spoke, saying that they were excited to be involved. Sandra Huck, curator of the art gallery, spoke a bit about the art work on the wall. Heather Nunez, who currently has a show in the Pullen gallery, has two large paintings hanging in the lounge. "We hope to utilize student art as much as possible," Huck said. She hopes to have frequent rotation of the student artwork. Currently, some other pieces by non-students are also hanging. Keith Madore said that students already feel comfortable coming to the room, and the committee hopes this will continue. President Zillman spoke last saying, "It is becoming crucial in how we were able to draw on private support, in this time of financial crisis [for the state]." He and Madore would like to have the adjourning room done with a bigger table and artwork on the wall as well. "The room will go from mediocre to marvellous," Zillman stated. "It's a big part of how successful we are able to be." |
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