Campus updates offer a fresh look for fall

Over the past several summers, Lenoir-Rhyne has completed large-scale facility upgrades ranging from replacing aging HVAC systems across campus to renovating the Daniel E. Rhyne Building and opening new athletics facilities, including the softball stadium. With those major projects complete, the recent focus has been on maintenance and general facility refreshment – a signal that the university's sustained investment in its infrastructure is paying off.

"Our continued investment in campus facilities is about more than buildings and maintenance. It's about creating spaces that inspire learning, foster community and support the transformational experiences that define an LR education," said University President Summer McGee, Ph.D. "By ensuring our students learn and grow in environments that are both comfortable and modern, we are reinforcing our mission to prepare them for lives of leadership and service."

This summer's campus improvements included:

• Living Learning Center - Cosmetic updates refreshed this upper-class residence hall, including painting, carpet cleaning, new stairwell treads and ceiling tiles.
• Mauney Hall – One classroom was leveled and rebuilt after sustaining structural damage from Hurricane Helene in fall 2024. In connection with those repairs, the entire first floor received new carpet, tile and paint.
• Campuswide - New park benches were installed to enhance outdoor spaces and gathering areas.
• Bear Grove – Temporary Adirondack chairs from spring were replaced with more durable permanent versions, including the Big Chair that provides a focal point for the space.
• Fritz-Conrad Hall - The campus movie theater was renovated with new flooring and paint, as well as replacement of a storm-damaged wall. New furniture is expected later this semester.
• P.E. Monroe Auditorium - The auditorium's concrete entryway was fully replaced, continuing improvements made during the facility's major renovation two years ago.

While this year's list may appear less dramatic than previous rounds of construction, these projects highlight the university's long-term approach: invest in major renovations when needed, then maintain facilities at a high standard to support the daily life of the campus community.