Happy 2008!

Margo WardenAs the new semester rolls in, your students are taking on new challenges
— both academically and meteorologically! The class of 2011 is settling in, learning the ropes, and acclimating to campus life. Thank you again for trusting us with them; they are a pleasure to work with and I look forward to another interesting and rewarding semester working with them and you! The lead article in this issue describes the transformation of Stearns Hall into a versatile and vibrant Student Center. The campus will be in a state of flux as we move through the various stages of renovation, and the flexibility, patience, and good humor of all will surely be tested in the months to come. Updates to the project will be posted on our Web site. With one semester under their belts, students often feel the need to re-order their priorities. The article "Resolving
to do Better," provides personal goal-setting strategies for students. I hope that you find this information both timely and useful. I invite your comments and suggestions on how we can best support your student at Johnson State College. As always, please feel free to e-mail me at margaret.warden@jsc.edu or call at 802-635-1474.

Margo Warden

Director of First Year Experience

New Student Center for Johnson State College

Archittect's rendering of the Stearns Hall interiorThere's a transformation happening at JSC, and students will benefit from it this fall. Renovation is currently underway to transform Stearns Hall into a full-service, 24-hour student center.

The state-of-the-art building will host student government association offices, a performance
venue, radio station, film viewing space, computer kiosks and meeting spaces.

Renovations to the 38-year-old building will include adding a glass exterior and a new fireplace lounge.

According to JSC President Barbara E. Murphy, the building will provide a focus for the student community on campus. "At Johnson, we pride ourselves on the quality of our community. I view the work we’re beginning on Stearns less as a renovation and more as a ‘transformation’ of our current facility. We’re creating a place for students to gather for activities as diverse as small study groups, conversation, music, film-viewing, gameplaying, meals together."


Murphy describes the architectural and visual goals for the facility: "We plan to tie this building to the rest of the campus through careful landscaping and the increased use of glass to maximize solar gain and 'anchor' this very central building on the Quad."

Alumni, friends, and parents of students will have the opportunity to partner with the college by investing in the facility through naming opportunities that are currently a part of the college’s first comprehensive major gifts campaign.

"The renovated Stearns Hall will be a central focus for the campus," says JSC Dean of Administration Sharron Scott. "Overall, it’s an incredibly exciting change. We anticipate a March start date, and the architects — Freeman French Freeman of Burlington — are planning the construction schedule at this time."


If you’d like to follow the progress of the renovation, check the JSC Web site for weekly updates.