By Valerie Metrejean

vmm008@latech.edu

 

At the University Park Dedication ceremony last Saturday morning, Dr. Jim King welcomed everyone to one of Tech’s newest classrooms. There were no desks or chalkboards, teachers or tests, but instead a home to nearly 450 students.

Tech President Dr. Dan Reneau opened the ceremony by expressing immense pride in the high-quality facilities and the people who have played a part in the process.

“When people ask me about [University Park,] I tell them there’s no housing finer in the United States and none comparable in Louisiana,” Reneau said. “It is a culmination of lots of hard work by many people.”

The $22 million apartments of University Park, located on Alabama Street, provide on-campus housing for many of Tech’s students.

The two or four-bedroom apartments come furnished and complete with a kitchen and bathrooms.

Reneau gave credit for such a facility to the quality and integrity used in the building process. He thanked many contributors to the project such as architects Kent Tipton and Doug Ashe, as well as onsite project coordinator, Wayne Brooks.

“Highest praise goes to Jim [King, vice president of student affairs,] for all his hard work spearheading this project,” Reneau said. “This is his baby.”

King gave the crowd a laugh by comparing his involvement with the three year development to watching sausage being made by saying “You don’t want to watch the process.” But now with the project completed, King said he is pleased with the outcome.

It has been 40 years since a residence hall has been built on Tech’s campus and the new facilities were a shining example of progress being made.

“Look at the changing landscape,” King said.

“We didn’t abandon residence halls, just gave them a different look.”

Throughout the dedication ceremony, many people cited the devotion to the students and desire to provide a comfortable place students could grow as main factors that led to University Park’s success.

“We wanted to create a retreat for students,” King said. “It’s a place on-campus that gives an off-campus feel.”

With residences ranging from freshmen to graduate students, the community gives great diversity and a unique experience to the occupants. 

“We wanted a place students can learn and study,” King said.

Robert Davis, a resident of Thatcher Commons at University Park and a junior aviation major, said finding a quieter studying atmosphere is easier in his apartment.

“You have your own room that you can lock yourself up in to study with no distractions,” Davis said.

For lessons outside of the classroom, Davis finds the porch outside his apartment the perfect place to mingle.

“There are a bunch of kids your own age, so it’s easy to meet people and hang out,” Davis said. “It’s a lot better than the dorms.”

With such an overwhelming positive response from the students, King said additional housing plans will look different from anything else that Tech has to offer on campus.

King said, “It won’t be similar to University Park either.”