By Colton Walter
Photo Editor
After months of loud construction in one of the supposedly quietest spots on campus, the PLU Mortvedt Library has completed construction and opened up the new Center for Student Success on its renovated first floor.
All of the waiting for construction to end might be worth it after students see what the new center has to offer them. Throughout the Fall Semester visitors to the Mortvedt Library were encouraged to vote on new chairs and designs. Now students can see the results of their votes in a new space that can accommodate more studying and maximize space.
“Everything that you see there was made with a purpose and with the students in mind,” said sophomore Hannah Backus. As a student worker in the library, Backus has seen the staff implement student’s ideas. She said, “I cannot tell you how many times Fran Rasmus asked students for their input about how they felt about the direction the renovations were going.”
The library’s new Center for Student Success also just opened and is the new home of Academic Advising and Academic Assistance.
“The vision for the center is to become a one-stop shop for vital student services, aimed at improving retention and supporting students who need additional assistance,” said Acting PLU President Allan Belton in his President’s Dinner Address in 2018.
The new center was named in honor of PLU alumni Nathan “Nate” Schoening, ‘01, who passed away in 2017. Nate was a Communication major at PLU and a dedicated member of the men’s rowing team. The opening ceremony for the Nate Schoening Center for Student Success was held on February 8th before a crowd of PLU community members and both the PLU men’s and women’s rowing teams. The ribbon was cut by Acting PLU President Allan Belton as well as Nate’s parents Christelle and David Schoening, ‘68.
“The Nate Schoening Center for Student Success is established in memory of Nathan Schoening,” Belton said, “For the strength, love and care he provided his family and for his commitment to the PLU community.”
