Released - July 12, 2010

An illustration depicts the renovated Harrod Lounge in the Alumni Court residence hall at Eureka College. Rendering / Illustration provided by Lincoln Office

Eureka College Harrod Lounge to Receive New Look

Renovations at Eureka college

Eureka College will renovate Harrod Lounge in the Alumni Court residence hall this summer to give it an updated look, make it more environmentally friendly and provide a welcoming spot for students to socialize and study when they return to school Aug. 21.

Work began July 2 and includes new paint, lighting, doors, flooring, heating and air conditioning system, insulation and windows. Sofas, chairs and the décor are in the college colors of maroon and gold. Amenities include a projector and screen, computer work stations, study tables and vending machines for snacks, cold beverages and coffee. 

Many of the materials, including windows and furnishings, were selected in part for their sustainable design, according to Vice President for Finance and Facilities Marc Pasteris. 

“We looked at the opportunities we had related to sustainability and green initiatives in order to conserve on utilities and lessen our carbon footprint by purchasing items manufactured using environmentally friendly standards,” Pasteris said.

General contractor is CORE Construction, Morton. The designer is Lincoln Office, East Peoria. The project will cost approximately $140,000. The college’s Student Senate voted to provide up to $60,000 from student activities general fees for furnishings.         

The 1,400-square-foot area will be available for use by the 120 students who reside in Alumni Court and by all Eureka College students, Pasteris said.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
“We hope that all of our students will find the space to be an extension and an enhancement to their classroom learning experience as well as a place for fellowship,” Pasteris said. Since the lounge is adjacent to the Learning Center, it also will be used for tutoring services, he said.

Alumni Court was built in 1970 to meet the demand of a growing student population, as enrollment hit a then-record-high 571 that year. Today, enrollment is more than 700.

Designed for sorority and fraternity housing, the facility was named for three alumni. The north wing for women was named for Norma Brown, Class of 1920, and the south wing for men honored William T. Jackson, Class of 1889.

The social center connecting the wings was named for Samuel G. Harrod, Class of 1903, who worked at the college from 1903 until his death in 1941.  He first was a professor of English and ancient languages, then dean of the faculty and then dean of the college.

“The Harrod family has a long relationship with Eureka College that continues to this day,” Pasteris said.  “The college is pleased that it can continue to honor the Harrod name through the updating of this center that will be a vital part of our students’ lives and reflect the passion for higher education exhibited in the life of Samuel G. Harrod.”

-30-

Contact:

Michele Lehman

Media Relations Coordinator

mlehman@eureka.edu

(309) 467-6318