Coffee, comfortable chairs and TV screens with welcome videos will greet visiting prospective students and their families this fall in The Bruce Pitman Center.
The Welcome Center is set to be complete by September and is in the space formerly known as Joe”s Café on the first floor of the Pitman Center.
The construction of the Welcome Center is only one change made to the general appearance to the building in an effort to make a good impression on visiting students.
Kira Hunter | Argonaut
Drollette construction workers Jeff Ramsey and Steve Christman continue to work on renovations to expand the Visiter Center in the Bruce Pitman Center.
“They are looking to make as best a first impression as they possibly can,” said Ray Pankopf, director of Architectural and Engineering Services for University Facilities Services. “And a parcel of all that is to provide a space that”s warm and inviting to receive prospective students and their families.”
There were also improvements made to the Pitman Center parking lot and changes made to the Campus Visit Office.
Regarding funding for the Pitman Center, UI President Chuck Staben approved about $447,000 in funding for efforts to improve the building”s general appearance.
Approximately $245,000 of the $447,000 budget was used toward the Welcome Center.
Pankopf said these improvements to the Pitman Center have been going on for about a year, and the Welcome Center is set to be finished by September – around the time high school seniors will begin fall visits to potential colleges.
The Welcome Center will include space for 30-35 guests at a maximum.
Pankopf said the Welcome Center will not impact students who are currently enrolled at the university, and the project is primarily intended to show potential students the benefits of UI.
“This was all about trying to get folks here and once they”re here, in a sense sealing the deal,” Pankopf said.
Erin Bamer can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @ErinBamer