They’re Back!
Expanded freshman class and returning students find numerous changes at Union College

Union College, where classes began on August 27, has welcomed one of its largest freshman classes in recent years, up more than 55% compared to last fall. Athletes arrived on campus August 16 for pre-season practice, followed by freshmen and returning students, including 35 international students from 10 countries.

“We’re looking forward to an outstanding academic year,” said Union president David Joyce. “The new freshman class is not only bigger, but their average test scores and high school grade point averages are also higher—we’re expecting great things from them! We also have the largest group of Bonner Scholars since the program began four years ago, have welcomed several excellent new faculty and are offering Spanish once again,” he added.

Shortly after their arrival, the new freshmen were immersed in Union’s multi-faceted “Get Outside Yourself” experience during Welcome Weekend. One day consisted of enjoying our area’s wealth of outdoor activities including caving, rock climbing, canoeing, hiking and overnight camping. On the second day, the students learned another meaning of “Get Outside Yourself,” fanning out across Barbourville and Knox County and participating in a variety of service projects at local elementary schools, KCEOC facilities, the Rainbow Center and PRIDE clean-ups. The weekend culminated with a picnic at Barbourville Water Park.

Both new and returning students are enjoying a variety of updates made to Union’s campus facilities over the summer.

Thanks to a generous grant from the James Graham Brown Foundation of Louisville, among the most significant changes are improvements to the residence halls, where occupancy rates are up 13%. The new freshman class that moved into Pfeiffer Hall is enjoying new modular furniture, which allows a variety of flexible arrangements to suit individual needs. Residents of Stevenson Hall, which houses sophomore and junior women, also received some new furniture.

“It’s fantastic!” said returning student Elizabeth Reef, a resident assistant at Pfeiffer. “I just love the computer desk with the pull-out keyboard tray, the rocking chair—and the beds with the extendable legs are great, too!”

Her enthusiasm was echoed by another resident assistant, Robin Snyder, who was already settled into her room, decorated in an arresting Survivor-Africa theme. “It’s really nice! The paint, the furniture—it’s all a great improvement,” she said.

Sophomore and junior men at Lakeside Hall returned not only to new carpet in all common areas, but also to major bathroom updates. The upgrades include additional showers, an exhaust system, fresh paint and new faucets, mirrors and lighting.

Less visible but equally important has been the installation of a new electronic key system on exterior doors of all Union residence halls, which are locked 24/7, greatly enhancing safety and security. The new student ID includes an individualized, scannable bar code, which limits access to residential students and only to the building in which they live. The new system also has a recording feature, allowing the campus safety office to determine, if necessary, the date and time of entry and identity of the keyholder.

The Bulldog Bookstore in the Patridge Campus Center, now managed by College Bookstores of America, was totally renovated with lighter, brighter décor and new displays.

In addition to an increased inventory of used textbooks, the store offers an expanded line of high-quality, attractive wearables and gift items, plus supplies, snacks and pre-paid calling cards. The public is welcome at the new store, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 to 5 and also during weekend special events on campus, such as football games.

In addition to the bookstore renovation, the student center has been freshened with new paint, tile, game room tables and chairs, as well as a stairwell lounge where students can take a quick break or grab a snack from the vending machines.

Monetary and in-kind material donations to Union’s athletic programs, as well as countless hours of volunteer labor by coaches and their staffs, have also made a major impact this summer. The soccer field is ready to host tournament play with a new tower and concession stand. These amenities, as well as expanded green space and a relocated entrance to the Lakeside parking lot were all made possible by the soccer program’s fundraising efforts. There’s also a new wooden fence going up around the baseball field and gym improvements include fresh paint, resurfaced floors and totally refurbished locker rooms.

The new technology center, little more than a pile of dirt when spring semester classes ended in May, is changing daily and well on its way to its anticipated mid-December completion. A blend of contemporary and traditional architectural styles, the two-story structure features a second-floor, glass-enclosed connecting bridge to the library and will include computer and training labs, an audio/video studio, a College-operated cable channel and information services staff offices. To avoid disruption to the campus network, the huge task of moving server equipment will occur over the holiday break and the building will open for use in January at the start of the spring semester.

Union College is a learning community dedicated to creating personal, intellectual, and social transformation through the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, service, and spiritual growth. Founded in 1879, the College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

August 30, 2002

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