Students returned to the Saint Mary's campus to find some changes.
Karen Johnson, vice president for student affairs, said most of the work was done during the summer, though students may still see some continuing into the fall. Many of the changes were made to directly benefit students, while others benefited students more indirectly and were designed to add beauty to the College.
"All the work benefits the students, whether it is providing a more comfortable learning or living environment, or providing a safer campus," Johnson said.
Johnson said new closed circuit cameras were added to the Angela parking lot. These cameras were requested by students several years ago to create a safer environment in the parking facility.
The College applied it, Johnson said. In addition to the cameras, card access was added to Angela Athletic Center.
Johnson said Lake Marian was cleaned during the summer as well. Silt was removed from the lake and will be used as filler around campus.
After several severe storms during June, seven trees were removed from campus and will be replaced, Johnson said.
Additionally, the College changed the landscaping in several different areas on campus. Johnson said this was to remove old or overgrown plants. The Nature Trail received new markers, and foliage around the trail was trimmed.
Johnson said several buildings were upgraded. The roofs of Moreau Hall and the Science Hall are being replaced, and other building renovations include a new air handling system installed in Holy Cross Hall to better circulate fresh air throughout the building. The radiators in Holy Cross Hall were removed as well, allowing new convection heating units to be installed in every room.
Regina Hall was the recipient of some new furniture. The College also repaired several sidewalks after requests from students last spring.
"I absolutely think these things improve the campus," Johnson said. "Any time you make upgrades and repairs you improve the campus environment."
