Logan Hall reopens to students

Dorm is home to new themed-housing program

Nathan Chiantella / photo editor Sophomore Johnny Reck lounges in his new Bluestone dorm room. Renovations to Logan Hall took just under a year to complete, with project costs totalling over $4 million.

After nearly a year of construction, a renovated Logan Hall dormitory officially opened to sophomore residents Saturday.

Winfield Hunt, Director of Facilities Planning and Construction, said that "substantial completion" of the Logan Hall renvation came on June 21.

Project costs for renovation of the dormitory totaled over $4 million, Hunt said.

"Proportionally, we didn’t spend any more money on Logan Hall than any other hall," said Maggie Burkhart Evans, Director of Residence Life.

Residents of Logan Hall participate in the new themed-housing program, the Second Year Experience.
"Logan will house a dynamic new living environment focusing on creating an enhanced experience for second year students," according to the Residence Life Web site.

Participants in the programs attend regular skill-building workshops and activities. These workshops are aimed at honing their study and work skills.

"It’s only available to second-year students because, in the sophomore year, we wanted to provide something to meet these specific needs," said Dave Urso, graduate assistant for living and learning communities.

Urso said the second year experience program focuses on students not being old enough for internships, but still desiring to become involved in educational employment programs.

The application process begins in the spring and only is open to second-year students, said Greg Czyszczon, area coordinator for Bluestone and Hillside Halls.

Most of the residents in Logan Hall were amazed by their newly renovated hall.

Sophomore Whitney March’s room comes with hardwood floors and an in-room vanity with a sink, in addition to one in the bathroom she shares with one roommate and two suitemates.

"Logan Hall is incredible," said sophomore Jonny Reck. "I lived in Spruce Hall, in the Treehouses, which wasn’t bad. There’s just no comparison."

"Logan is awesome. It doesn’t get much better than hardwood floors, air conditioning and sinks in every room."

Despite the enthusiastic reception by residents, coordinators remain focused on the intent of the second-year program and not the new features of the hall.

"We want people to sign up to live in Logan because of what’s going on in the hall, not what it looks like," Czyszczon said.