Heidelberg may seem like a quiet place during the summer, but many new changes have occurred that will give campus a new look to the start of the 2017-18 academic year.
Rebecca Street Bridge
Just in the nick of time, the Rebecca Street bridge is expected to reopen to traffic by the end of this week ahead of schedule. Repaving was completed last week and pedestrians can walk across the bridge now. The old bridge, affectionately known as T-Bridge, was demolished and completely replaced over the summer months. Check out some of the photos of the progress:
Hoernemann Refectory
Parkhurst Dining officially took over as the food service provider on campus June 1. Along with Parkhurst’s commitment to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients for its fresh, made-from scratch approach to food prep, the campus community will be pleased with more menu options and a few other significant changes. The interior of Hoernemann Refectory has been completely renovated from new flooring and additional seating to the breakfast bar, dessert table, and allergy-free station. Hours of operation were extended to better serve the campus community and the dining hall is expected to re-open on Friday, August 18.
Read more in the Q&A with Parkhurst General Manager Jeff Smock.
New Deans, New School Names
The new academic year will bring some exciting changes in academic leadership for several senior faculty members along with the restructuring of academic divisions into schools. The changes represent the first big phase of ASIIP – the Academic Strategic Initiatives for Improvement Plan, according to Provost Dr. Beth Schwartz. The entire faculty was involved with major research, planning and development of recommendations for ASIIP over the past 18 months.
Read more about the new changes.
New Faces
As the 2017-18 school year approaches, we welcome several new full-time and adjunct faculty members to the Heidelberg family: Lauren Belliveau, ‘15, athletic trainer/instructor of athletic training; Dr. Margaret Thiele, assistant professor of music education; Dr. Barry Devine, visiting assistant professor of English; Mark Mitchell, visiting assistant professor of ecology; Xiaojiao Hu and JinJuan Liu, visiting professors from Tianjin Normal University; Zachary Ratchen, visiting assistant professor; and adjuncts Ron Allerton (math), Mark Levans (art), and Tayo Olabumuyi (business). New coaches within the Athletic Department include Shaun Gunnell (golf and women's basketball) and Jemar Lewis (football).
Seiberling Gymnasium
The Seiberling Gymnasium renovation was an all-encompassing project -- wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling. The demolition of the bleachers and the removal of the floor (original to the building) began in April.In addition to the new playing surface, the project included a new paint scheme, window treatments and bleachers. Seiberling is the competition site for the Heidelberg volleyball, wrestling, and basketball programs. In addition to its athletic uses, the venue hosts all six of the HYPE Career Ready keynote speakers, both Patricia Adams Lecture Series dinners, and the Lichtman-Behm Genocide Lecture Series.
The renovation unveiling featured comments from Athletic Director Matt Palm, Head Women's Basketball Coach Morgan Harrigan, and President Robert H. Huntington as well as student-athletes Rachel Raimondo, '18, and Chris White, '18.
Ceremonial Events
First Volleyball Serve and Receive
Rachel Stroski, '18 & Rachel Raimondo, '18
First Takedown
Chris White, '18 & Noah Messerall, '18
First Shot and Assist
Cynthai Nielsen, '18 & Arianna Wilson, '19
First Flip
Mallory Paul, '20
First Dunk
Mike Mason, 18