May
7, 2004
Balancing
Living and Learning: Porter Slated for Renovation
Photo
by Todd M. LeMieux
Eva Paus (left), Institute
for Global Initiatives director and professor of economics,
and Joanne Picard, dean of international studies |
The
Institute for Global Initiatives (IGI), established last fall
as part of The Plan for Mount Holyoke 2010 to energize and
expand international education at the College, will be housed
on the first floor of Porter Hall. Construction will start
in early June, according to director of facilities management
John Bryant, and be completed by mid-August —just
in time for the start of the fall semester.
The Porter renovation will include major improvements—new dining and lounge
facilities—for students who live in Porter, which is also home to the Weissman
Center for Leadership and the Liberal Arts.
“I’m excited about the Institute for Global Initiatives having space
in Porter. This will help bring its work to all students,” dean of the
College Lee Bowie said. “Opening up lounge space on the second floor, and
putting student kitchen space on the first floor will really help the College
achieve a balance between academic and residential use in Porter.”
Eva Paus, IGI director and professor of economics, is looking forward to the
move to Porter. “Inside and outside the College, it’s important for
the Institute for Global Initiatives to have its own space,” said Paus,
whose office is currently located in Mary Lyon Hall.
To accomplish the goal of integrating all administrative functions related to
international education, the Office of International Affairs will become part
of the IGI. Dean of international studies Joanne Picard, dean of international
students Donna Van Handle, immigration specialist Jennifer Medina, administrative
assistant Fatoumata Gadjigo, and a two-year grant-funded coordinator of learning
experiences abroad will join Paus in Porter.
In addition to office space, the IGI will include a resource library and a “global” lounge. “The
lounge will be a place where all students who are interested in international
issues can come together,” Paus said. “With international newspapers,
satellite TV, and comfy furniture, it will be a great place for students to hang
out and have informal discussions about global issues—and anything else.”
To make room for the IGI and new student amenities, the east side of the first
floor will be renovated. The IGI will occupy what is now the large dining room,
and a more intimate student kitchen will replace the servery. “The new
kitchen area can be used by Porter students to prepare birthday cakes, cookies,
and meals for small get-togethers,” Bryant noted. To give Porter students
more “hang out” space, two student rooms centrally located on the
second floor will be converted to a hall lounge.
“Although Mount Holyoke has always had strong international roots, the
September 11 attacks brought new urgency to understanding ourselves and our issues
in an international context and to our commitment to
fostering global perspectives,” Bowie said. “This renovation
of Porter will begin to make
good on the promise of those
commitments.”
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