BY DAVID LI
After the new Learning Commons opened, renovations on the old Ramaker Library began. Ramaker has been undergoing renovations since last October and is being transformed into a new student center.
It is unknown at this time what the official name of the renovated Ramaker building will be. The purpose of the new and improved building will be to foster student life and spiritual formation.
What is known is that the building will now become home to the offices of Student Life, Campus Ministry, International and Intercultural Services, the Career Development Center, Global Education, Service Learning and Student Activities Council. Other departments on campus will use the space left behind by these relocated departments.
One department that will make use of the vacated offices is the kinesiology department. This department will move from its current location in the Bultman Center to the offices in the Rowenhorst Student Center left behind by the Student Activities Council.
Some of the more specific features to look forward to in the remodeled building include a larger Red Room (originally located in the Franken Center), four large lounge areas on the first floor, new bathrooms and entrances on the north and south sides of the building.
The renovated Ramaker will provide students with a place to gather in larger groups. The second floor will be mainly composed of offices along with a conference room and a large open space that has yet to be designated for a purpose. For now, the basement will act completely as storage space.
Lesage confirmed that the $4-million project is scheduled to be completed and open by July 15.