Out in their Finest, Union College Supporters Attended a Gala to Celebrate the Re-Opening of Union's Newly Renovated Library

Donna and David Jones (right), major supporters of the library renovation project, were presented with a memory album of the renovation. The album had photographs of the renovation process from start to finish along with letters and notes from students, faculty and staff. David Jones, who is currently the CEO of Spectrum Brands, Inc., is originally from Knox County. Also pictured is Renovation Project Manager and Head Librarian, Tara Cooper (left).

In just under two years of major reconstruction, with five massive book moves, and thousands of volumes transferred to and from storage, the Abigail E. Weeks library renovation project at Union College is now complete. Union College supporters attended a Library Gala last Friday to celebrate the renovation completion. The black-tie affair was held at the library where supporters, students, faculty, staff and Union's President, Edward D. de Rosset, spoke about the renovation and what it means to support Union College and this project.

In 2003, after years of deferred maintenance had left the library in disrepair, college administrators committed to renovating the structure. The new library configuration has modernized and improved the functionality and efficiency of what many refer to as the centerpiece of our campus. The renovation also includes a roof replacement, new windows and the installation of a new HVAC unit and security system.

The newly renovated library is part of the David and Donna Jones Learning Resource Center and is one of three structures that house most of the technology infrastructure on campus.

The David and Donna Jones Learning Resource Center project combines the Weeks Memorial Library (1941), the Townsend Annex (1987) and the connecting, new Black Technology Center (2003) into one collaborative unit, bringing all library and technology services together under one umbrella. The renovation has created a comprehensive learning environment that integrates both printed and electronic resources, not just for Union's students and faculty, but also the neighboring community.

This renovation was made possible through grants, matching funds and through the generosity of alumni, friends, foundations, businesses and other organizations who realize the value of comprehensive library and technology services on campus and to the community.

October 27, 2005

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