Campus Currents

New and Improved

In November, the last coat of paint dried on the three newest Rosario cabins, marking the completion of the first project in the “Faith in the Vision” capital campaign introduced to the public last April.

The marine station is one of five major campus improvement projects included in the campaign. The four remaining projects will revitalize existing buildings and raise a new Administration Building on the footprint of the original.

The three new Rosario cabins are the finishing touches to the college’s Puget Sound campus. Last summer’s Rosario students were the first to stay in new cabins and use the new dining/meeting hall.

“Our students made good use of the new facilities, especially the dining hall and deck, and they are appreciative of the gift and the people who made it possible,” says Joe Galusha, professor of biology and graduate dean.

On the main campus, other campaign projects are in high gear, including improvements at Bowers Hall. The former chemistry building received a nod of approval from a local civic group. Walla Walla College received a certificate of merit through the Walla Walla 2020 Architectural Awards for exemplifying historic preservation and compatibility. The college was honored for the rehabilitation and reuse of the 1924 Bowers Hall as an academic building.

Bowers Hall currently houses the Department of History and Philosophy, and will be the new and temporary home of the School of Theology.

The Department of Communications inaugurated its new black box theater in October, dedicating it as the Donnie Rigby Stage. The black box theater is just one feature of the department’s new home in Canaday Technology Center.

“Our program will be well positioned to prepare students for careers in the growing communications marketplace, attract students to the program, and provide a performance facility for top-rate productions,” says Pam Harris, chair of the department.

KGTS and the Positive Life Radio Network will also move into the Canaday Technology Center.A new rear building entrance will open to a visitor reception area for the station.

Finally, the addition of an elevator will make the building wheelchair accessible on all floors.

“We are very appreciative of the Department of Technology and their work in adapting and condensing their space,” says David Bullock, professor of communications. Already the two departments share similar areas of interest. “Our department’s emphasis on methods of communication blends well with the areas of graphic design and photography,” Bullock says. W

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