The
µTechnician bulldogs.kettering.edu/technician
February 5, 2013
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Volume 113
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Issue 4
Re-imagining Relaxation From Kettering Communications Work has begun to turn bj’s and the Student Commuter Lounge on the first floor of the Campus Center into an inviting and technology-rich social venue at Kettering University. “Our primary goal is to create a welcoming space for students to relax and socialize among themselves, and with faculty and staff members,” said Betsy Homsher, vice president of Student Life and Dean of Students. The 7,000-square-foot project will transform two Campus Center spaces into an open, mixed use venue for studying and entertainment, Homsher said. Plans include: • gaming tables, • study and meeting spaces for individuals and groups, • a café for socializing, • media area for movies, sports and entertainment, • a 24/7 schedule to enhance student life and • food! “The cafe will feature late afternoon to late night snacks and beverages,” Homsher said. Menu items will in-
clude pizzas, burgers and other stuInstitutional funds, along with a dent favorites. generous commitment from Kettering “One of the best parts of this reno- Student Government, will finance the vation will be the Wi-Fi and the con- renovation project. Over the next two venience of lots of electrical charging years, ksg will contribute $50,000 stations so our tech-savvy students can from the Connie John Millennium relax and enjoy themselves anytime in Fund, an endowment funded by stuthis digital environment.” dent activity fees until 2012. Architect Shannon Easter White of Kettering Student Government Flint’s Fun Architecture is currently President John Oliver said the project completing the design. “The furniture is a great step forward for students. was selected by B-Section students dur- “While bj’s lounge is in a central locaing a Sit & Stroll last fall when vendors tion on campus, it currently lacks the showcased their wares and students facilities to make it a useful area for voted,” Homsher said. “We selected students,” Oliver explained. “I think the colors, furniture, and carpeting students will benefit from the added based u p o n students’ preferences. Colors are vibrant and natural light will pour into the space.” Photo Courtesy of Kettering Communications
A Look Ahead… 5
Wednesday
6
Thursday
7
Friday
8:30 pm – Cru Weekly Gathering
12:20 pm – Technician Meeting
12:20 pm – Shpe
1817- ab
3 floor cc rd
Heritage Room
9:00 pm – Dance Club
7:30 pm – Band
6:00 pm – Allies
International Room
International Room
Good Beans Cafe
February 5, 2013
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The µTechnician
sense of community that will come with the new social space in the renovated lounge,” he added. Homsher said the University has wanted to renovate this space into a vibrant social venue for a long time. “We actually held a competition in 2011 and invited students to submit design proposals for the space,” Homsher said. “Student Devin Hauersperger won the design contest. We have integrated many of her elements into the design because she created an incredible plan.” Hauersperger, a senior Mechanical Engineering major from Troy, said she
is excited and flattered that the updated space came from her design. “I was thinking about a space that I might want to go relax with friends between classes or in the evening. We don’t really have a nice comfortable common area on campus that is designed to be just a lounge, at least not a large area where many people can gather and just escape from school work temporarily.” “I think this renovation is important to the students because it will give us a space that we are lacking,” Hauersperger said. “I believe many clubs will make this their new meeting place because it will be the most comfortable
place on campus because of the seating and décor. I believe the atmosphere in a room plays a huge role in what people choose to use it for. I was trying to make a more versatile space initially, but now realize that it would be hard for people to study in there if others were there to hang out and have fun.” The new facilities will open around Kettering’s Homecoming Celebration, May 17-18. “What a great opportunity to turn the Campus Center into a true center of campus,” Homsher added.
Entertainment xkcd #327 “Exploits of a Mom” courtesy of xkcd.com
Her daughter is named Help I’m trapped in a driver’s license factory.
… One Week at a Time 8-9
Saturday & Sunday
Saturday: 6:00 pm – Anime Club
1817 AB
10
Monday
11
Tuesday
12:20 pm – Technician Meeting
12:30 pm – Ewb
3 floor cc rd
Fishbowl
12:20 pm – Cetl Brown Bag Lunch
Cetl