The J-TAC

Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: Campus Life

Media Credit: Bobbi Haire The fire engine that used to be located in the Thompson Student Center is currently being stored in the Engineering Technology building, but will be moved to the Tarleton Center.

During the fall 2009 semester, Tarleton State University students and faculty saw changes to some traditional landmarks around campus.

Construction started with the demolition of Crockett Hall and Summit Apartments in the spring of 2009, and then the demolition of Oscar P. this semester. Tarleton originally acquired Oscar P. when expansion of the campus occurred, to be temporarily used. Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Rusty Jergins said the building was out of place, deteriorating, in much need of a paint job and was not being used as it was originally intended.

Along with the external changes, there are currently big changes occurring in the Barry B. Thompson Student Center. Students may have noticed the absence of many campus items, including the fire engine, photos of the month, paintings, and the history and organizational cases.

"I am delighted that the student center is changing and is not going to look like a museum," Dr. Wanda Mercer, vice president for student life, said.

"I think that the cases actually add a little something to the student center," Allie Wood, the current Texan Rider, said. "I take pride in that every aspect of Tarleton holds some type of tradition, and I think that the placement of the cases in this building helps provide some historical interest."

The TSC lower level renovation project began in June to update the air system and give the bookstore and student organizations more space Mercer said.

"The construction of the lower level is planned to be completed and open in spring 2010," she said.

New features include faux sky lights, meeting rooms for student organizations and the ability to view the second floor from the lower level.

The items that were once in the student center "are relocated to the upper of the dining hall and in offices around campus, and the fire engine is currently placed in the Engineering Technology building," Jergins said.

Donna Strohmeyer, director of the TSC, Student Activities and the Student Programming Association said the fire truck will be moving to the Tarleton Center.

The main display case on the first floor of the student center near the Ballrooms will be "continuously changing throughout the year," Strohmeyer added. It is currently displaying various Tarleton traditions.

Other changes on campus include relocating some of the traditional squares from the organizational sidewalk.

"The wonderful maintenance crew carefully removed each square intact, and we plan to take up the rest of the sidewalk to move to the Jones St. side of the student center, on the grassy knoll to be used as a display," Mercer said. "Ultimately, we hope to acquire Vanderbilt Street, close the road and make it become a grassy mall and walk way."

Mercer said the relocation of the sidewalk pieces will begin after the other construction on campus is completed.

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