Laurens Hall gets a Makeover

The Laurens Hall many alumni remember as a place where they or their friends once lived as students has been transformed into a new space for students and student group activities.

The two-story former residence facility, whose origins date back to 1908, re-opened in late November.

By semester’s end, students and other members of campus walked into the newly renovated building where changes include lounge areas, a meeting room and the campus post office on the first floor.

The second floor is now home for the offices of Religious Life and Community Engagement, Residence Life and Student Involvement.

“I am so excited about the way that Laurens has turned out. It is open and bright, and it will be a welcoming space for students and clubs to meet, relax and make plans as well,” said Dr. Joy Smith, vice president for campus life and dean of students.

“We are hoping that it gets lots of use, and, to that end, we are going to make sure the hours of being accessible to students mirror those of Neville and surrounding academic buildings – meaning they can use it at night and on weekends even when the offices on the second floor and post office are closed.”

Renovations to Springs also began in the fall semester, and it is expected to completely reopen in August.