The ribbon is cut on the new Geary Student Loft at Kaskaskia College Friday afternoon by KC freshman Alyssa Hutton of Centralia as KC Board member Louis Koehler (left) and the drafting student who helped come up with the original concept Collin Bierman (right) hold the two ends.
“It’s a good day in very trying times”
Kaskaskia College President George Evans shares his sentiments during the dedication of the renovation of the upstairs loft of the Student Center as the Geary Student Loft on Friday afternoon. The $250,000 project was made possible by a donation from Arlene Geary on behalf of her late husband and family.
Evans told the students in attendance that ‘this is your space….100-percent for you’.
“The original vision was brought forth from recommendations from our student body during our student forums with the President. You guys requested you wanted more leisure places, you wanted more comfortable furniture, you wanted more places where you can entertain yourself through gaming systems and watch television,” said Evans. “This is a promise to you that we do listen during the student forums.”
Evans thanked Professor Robert Jervis and one of his drafting program students Collin Bierman for coming up with the initial design.
Evans says part of the project still needs to be completed.
“You have some seating out there, but there will be some additional shade sails and some potential lighting and speakers out there so when spring arrives you guys can enjoy that as well,” Evans added.
The President noted before students coming to the loft had to bring their own laptops and have the courage to sit on 25-year-old couches. Evans says the area now is very modern and very comfortable with different layers of lighting that will help students relax and chill out.
Those involved in an earlier luncheon honoring Arline Geary for the donation to make the student center lot renovation possible. Pictured (l-r): Nancy Siegmund, Arline Geary, Janet Mallinson, Jonathan Carroll from Poettker Construction, KC President George Evans, KC Foundation President Craig Finke, Emily Heinzmann, and KC Professor Rob Jervis.
The newly renovated student loft on the second floor of the Kaskaskia College student center. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Part of the renovated second floor of the student center building at Kaskaskia College. Photo by Pat Hodges.
