WASHINGTON, PA (March 29, 2019) – Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) will upgrade a number of facilities, including residence halls and Henry Memorial Gymnasium, at no additional cost to students.
Earlier this month, the Board of Trustees approved a plan to begin restoring and renovating several of the campus facilities and residence halls. The first phase of this work will begin this summer and is scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the Fall 2019 semester. These projects will be made possible through capital funds released by the Board and through the generous philanthropic support of alumni and friends of W&J, with no additional cost to students.
Given that students live on campus for four years, enhancing the quality of student housing is among W&J’s highest priorities. The College will begin work on the Presidents Row complex, where extensive interior and exterior renovations are planned, including open and collaborative living space on the first floors, central heat and air conditioning, and new, ADA-accessible rooms. The College is also adding more green space in the complex to allow for walkways and outdoor activity areas. Three of these buildings will be completed this summer, with six others scheduled over the next two years. Beau Hall will also undergo renovations, which will create inviting common areas and living space.
In addition to work on residence halls, further improvements to the Henry Memorial Center also are scheduled, updating the gym with air conditioning, new bleachers and a new floor, and adding a new student fitness/wellness center and an alumni gathering space. This is a continuation of the project that began with construction of the Ross Family Recreation Center in 2017.
This spring, the College’s library has been undergoing exterior renovations which include a new portico along with an outdoor seating area where students may study or relax. The entirety of the library renovation – which included interior renovations in 2018 – was funded by a leading gift from Richard (Class of ’68) and Angela Clark, with contributions from other generous donors to the college. As with so many other capital projects, this was a gift at no cost to W&J students. A rededication ceremony will be held on May 16, 2019 to celebrate the completion of all restorations to the Library.
W&J also is considering longer-term projects to enhance academic and student services and provide more multi-use space. Specifically, administration is exploring bringing back Lazear Hall as a fully renovated, state-of-the-art academic building and repurposing space in the Technology Center to meet needs for student services, flexible learning and program space, and student organizations.
More details and schedules will be provided as these projects get under way. This is an exciting time for W&J College, which will provide the best possible environment for living, learning and working.
About Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a selective liberal arts college founded in 1781. Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional arts and sciences curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent study work. For more information about W&J, visit washjeff.dev, or call 888-W-AND-JAY.
