Bethany Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023

Bethany student Tihitina Wudu in the Academic Resource Center.

Relaunching Luther Hall

Renovations provide improved access to student services

BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Luther Hall in Old Main has taken on many roles since Bethany’s beginning. But during the last decade or so, the area has been underutilized. Though there were lounges, Mayo Clinic Express Care, and Christian Family Solutions, the space was not maximizing its potential nor seeing as much foot traffic as it could.

After much discussion, configuration, and construction, the remodeled first and second floors of Luther Hall opened for student use in December of 2022. It is now home to Career Development, the Academic Resource Center (ARC), the Ada Stokes Writing Center, Mayo Clinic Express Care, International Student Support, a student lounge area, and a remodeled fitness space.

Many of these services were previously spread out over campus, or located in areas that, unless you were looking for them, would not know they were there. “[The remodel] is bringing student service needs from different aspects of campus over into a one-stop shop,” said Daniel Mundahl, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration. The services are also more accessible, as Old Main has longer open access hours than other campus buildings.

Initial discussion about remodeling began in the summer of 2021, and construction began in the summer of 2022. The main catalysts for the remodel were the launch of Career Services and Mayo Clinic Express Care needing renovations.

In the old space, it was harder to keep the Mayo Clinic temperature regulated, there was little privacy due to a small space, P.A.’s could only see one person at a time, and there was not a bathroom on site.

Now, there is a lab space with modern equipment, the temperature is well regulated, and there are two private exam rooms, allowing staff to “serve more people and process them more efficiently,” said Ted Manthe, Vice President for Student Affairs.

“It is difficult to describe all the benefits of the new space, compared to the original space,” said Slava White, P.A.-C. “We have computers in every room, a space for the nurse, and an office. We are able to see two students and have people wait in the lobby. We now have a bathroom right next door, and a small door to pass [samples] to the nurse—in the past, the student had to carry testing supplies down the hallway and back. The new space presents a professionalism that was not there in the original space.”

Slava White, P.A.-C, (right) is one of the Physician Assistants that work in the new Mayo Clinic Express Care in Luther Hall.

As Manthe and Mundahl were considering these renovations, they also considered what other campus services would be better placed in Luther Hall.

“It was working, but we needed it to work better. We looked around other places on campus and thought, ‘Okay, who can we move or what other adjustments can we make to enhance other programs,’” said Manthe. “It’s a domino effect.”

For instance, the ARC, previously located in the lower level of the Memorial Library, was moved to Luther Hall. This allowed for more accessibility, later open hours than the Library provided, and gave the library more space to be utilized for the Education Deparment.

The Ada Stokes Writing Center was also moved from Honsey Hall to Luther Hall. The new space is bigger than its previous location, as well as its temporary location of the library during the remodel.

“It’s visible now,” said Angie Johnson, the Writing Center Coordinator and English professor. noting that the new space has increased foot traffic, and will hopefully bring more by next year. Johnson also enjoys the collaboration with other faculty in that area.

The Ada Stokes Writing Center moved from its former location in Honsey Hall.

“During the fall, our sessions were held in the back of the library, which often made appointments less secluded and more awkward to conduct as a result. Having an actual room for the Writing Center has allowed tutors to create a welcoming environment that facilitates warmer interactions with students,” said senior Tristen Lindell, who served as a tutor in the Writing Center.

Another tutor, Davis Smith, added: “[It’s] a real gift, and a wonderful long-term home for our center. It’s a very quiet, relaxing spot to work for both tutors and clients, and students often hang around to study.”

One service that moved out of the previous Luther Hall was Christian Family Solutions. It now resides in the lower level of Honsey Hall, making it a more private area for students who are getting counseling.

The feedback concerning the remodel has been nothing but positive. “[The space] was underutilized. This is a chance to maximize that space and make it a one-stop shop for students,” said Manthe. Instead of running all over campus, students can take care of their business in one location.

“You’re already going down the hall with Financial Aid, the Dean of Students, Residential Life, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Registrar, as well as the Spirit Store and Business Office,” noted Mundahl. “It’s just tying opportunities together.”

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors will certainly make good use of the remodeled space. If you happen to be visiting campus, make it a priority to visit the new Luther Hall.

Director Angie Phares met with a student in the new Career Development Center.