Revitalizing a trusted place of learning:
Launching the School into A New Millennium
More than a century ago, college founders stood in a little-settled
community in eastern Washington with a bold vision: To establish a college
that would provide a superior education based on Christian values and focused
on producing graduates with a heart for service to humanity.
This vision has fueled the fire of learning for decades at Walla Walla College.
But today, as the college prepares for a new millennium, new challenges exist.
Some of the key programs on campus lack adequate facilities. The college’s
first structure, the Administration Building, stands worn with time.
To address these issues, WWC is launching an $18 million campaign to revitalize
the campus, including the construction of a new Administration Building.
Funds from the campaign will replace old buildings, reconfigure existing structures, increase space for highly successful programs, and establish reserves to keep the new buildings in pristine condition. It has been more than 20 years since the college has embarked on a campuswide building and revitalization program, and never in its history has it conducted a campaign of this magnitude.
The time is right to demonstrate faith in the vision of WWC and provide the college with an updated physical setting that matches the excellence of its academic programs.
Construct New Administration Building:
$9,600,000
For many alumni, there is a sense of nostalgia for the ivy-covered building
that graces the heart of the campus. Indeed, the Administration Building has
served the college for far longer than those who built it ever dreamed.
The sad truth, however, is that this much-loved building is more than a century old and is failing. Numerous renovations have seriously compromised the integrity of its structure. The building’s pipes and wiring are decaying, despite the hard work and ingenuity of the maintenance crew. It fails to meet legal access requirements for students with disabilities. The fire marshal has cited the aging wood structure with minimal exits as a fire hazard that needs immediate attention. In fact, numerous studies have confirmed that it has significant structural problems that can no longer be ignored if we are to meet current health and safety standards.
Stop-gap measures are no longer advisable or safe. Over the
past few years, a number of classrooms and departments have been moved to
temporary quarters in response to these concerns. Only administrative offices
and a few departments now occupy the lower floors of the building.
After extensive study, the college has determined that the problems with this
building are too costly to advise a mere renovation. After careful deliberation
of the available options, college leaders are clear that the building must
be replaced—and soon.
Thankfully, the architects understand that this new building will occupy the same honored place in the center of campus. The new building will bring the same scholarly dignity to the campus and will retain a style similar to the existing building. Not only will it incorporate the well-recognized entry portico, it will also restore some of the details of the original structure, such as the architectural details and bell tower long since lost in previous renovations.
The new structure will also be state-of-the-art, with computer ports and tools that harness technology for learning. Furthermore, it will put an end to costly short-term maintenance expenses and offer ease of access for all students. The new building will continue to be the home for the humanities departments, preserving the vigorous interdisciplinary exchanges that have defined its history. It will also provide office space for student services and college administration.
When completed, the new Administration Building will be reminiscent of the old, but will better equip the campus to serve students for decades to come, standing as a proud tribute to both the past and the future of WWC.
Refurbish Marine Station: $2,500,000
The excellence of the college’s rigorous and innovative science programs
has in part come from the marine station situated on 40 acres of prime beachfront
property on Puget Sound. Originally a summer resort built in the 1920s, the
college purchased Rosario in 1954. After eight decades of wear, the marine
station has been in dire need of repair, upgrades, and expansion, particularly
in the cabins and cafeteria.
In 1997 WWC launched a renovation program to begin caring for these needs. In May 2001 WWC celebrated the completion of this renovation project, the first project of the Faith in the Vision campaign to be completed. Click here for the story.
Create Space for Social Work Program: $3,300,000
Although it is one of the largest programs at the college, the School of Social
Work and Sociology has never had an appropriate home. As part of this campaign,
an academic facility will be constructed to house the social work and sociology
program. Centralizing classrooms and offices under one roof will improve communication
and foster collaboration among the school’s faculty and students.
Expand Use of Canaday Technology Center:
$2,300,000
Space in this relatively new building will be renovated to provide a new home
for the Communications Department and for KGTS and the Positive Life Radio
network. This new location will provide much-needed and improved space for
production and performance studios. Close proximity to the Technology Department
will also allow for the sharing of equipment among departments, increasing
operational efficiencies for these programs.
Restore Bowers Hall: $300,000
By renovating this former chemistry building, temporary space will be available
to house the History and Philosophy Department, as the new Administration
Building is constructed. Upon its completion, these departments will move
to their new facilities, and Bowers Hall will become a permanent home for
academic support services. W