McKendree University Holds Grand Opening for The Lair
The student center received several important updates over the summer.
(LEBANON, Ill., Sept. 23, 2024) – On Saturday, Sept. 21, McKendree University held
a grand opening for The Lair, the university’s student center located in Lower Deneen
on campus. The building received several important and necessary updates over the
late spring and summer months, undergoing a complete transformation into a modern
space thanks to the generous contributions from McKendree’s FORWARD campaign donors.
Significant improvements were made to both the interior and exterior of the building by Holland Construction Company. Not only was the building outfitted with new solar panels on the roof, a new HVAC system, and revitalized flooring, walls and lighting, but it also received new stairs and a ramp outside, making it accessible to students of all abilities. Other additions include new, modular furniture, several small and large flatscreen televisions, round tables and a few high-top tables, a new pool table, a new ping-pong table, and more. The northern wall now features a purple wall bedecked with a modern mosaic of goldenrod, gray and black.
Three ribbons adorned one of The Lair’s doors, each cut by a different individual. The first was cut by Rebecca (Lindstrom) Wohltman, a trustee and alumna of the university. President Danield C. Dobbins and wife Mickey (Macaluso) Dobbins cut the second ribbon. Craig Robertson, director of campus activities at McKendree, who calls The Lair home, cut the final ribbon.
“How do we establish a culture of excellence at McKendree? This is one example. Students can come here to The Lair and accomplish great things. It’s a terrific success to look at as we approach our bicentennial. Let’s keep the momentum going,” said President Dobbins.
In attendance were faculty, staff, trustees, members of the board, members of the Student Government Association and the McKendree cheerleaders. Several tours of perspective students were also visiting the campus that day.
View photos of the grand opening here.
-McK-
