Thanks to the hard work of our Advancement team and the generosity of our donors, Aquinas College has secured $82,000 in Campus Renewal donations in the last academic year (2024-2025). The bulk of this fund was provided by a single donor dedicated to funding strategic initiatives that enhance the experience of current students and position the school for longevity and future success.
What is “Campus Renewal” Funding?
The Aquinas Advancement team established the Campus Renewal Fund earlier this year
as a way to maintain our beautiful campus. From updating dorm rooms to fixing cracks,
all funds raised this year will be put towards renovation and maintenance projects
on our grounds and in our facilities.
“These improvement projects are critical to the college to maintain the standards needed for student experience,” shared Hank Stump, Director of Conferencing & Event Services, the Physical Plant, and Campus Safety. “We have a lot of work to do to make the campus inviting to the students who want to make this their home, and the Operations Department is committed to that purpose with the help of the community and donors.”
What’s Getting Updated This Summer?
Students can rest easy this fall, knowing that they will have a soft bed to sleep
on.
Regina Hall has received 60 new foam core mattresses, which are of a much higher quality than the previous innerspring mattresses. Beyond added comfort for our students, these will last much longer before needing replacement.
Additionally, upgrades to Regina Hall’s common area were prioritized this summer. As the informal student hub for our largest dorm on campus, many students who either live there or visit their friends utilize that space. Renovations that prioritize ADA accessibility have made the common area more welcoming for students. Now, they have an inviting place to hang out, study, and make memories.
The renovations to the Regina Hall common room include:
- Upgrades to energy-efficient LED lighting
- Replacement ceiling panels and new anti-microbial paint
- Installation of new heavy-traffic rated Shaw carpet tiles with a 15-year warranty; removal of old tiles and black mastic adhesive, sanded floors, and use of non-mastic adhesive for installation
- Repairs to the rock tile wall, painted and sealed for durability and safety
- New antimicrobial paint throughout the space
- Repairs to the TV wall: patched holes, added wainscoting, installed a proper TV mount, and routed in-wall wiring for a clean, cord-free look
- Repairs and sealed tile around the fireplace
- Replacement of non-grounded 110V outlets with properly grounded electrical outlets
- Removal of the trip hazard and modifications to the handrail to meet ADA compliance
These updates are the first in a long-term plan to use Campus Renewal Funds to improve student housing. As more money becomes available year to year, all of the Aquinas dorms will undergo further renovations.
The front entrance walkway to Hruby Hall will also be repaired and resurfaced with a 10-year epoxy covering to aid in chipping, provide waterproofing, and create a layer of salt protection. Since Hruby Hall is the first stop in all campus visits, repairing these stairs will help create a better first impression for prospective students and their families when visiting admissions.
All renovations will be completed before students return to campus later this month!
How You Can Help!
If you’re looking to support our beautiful campus this year, contributing to the Campus
Renewal Fund is a great way to have a direct impact on student life at AQ!
All you need to do is fill out the “Give to Aquinas” form and select “Campus Renewal Fund” under “Designation.”
With your help, we can continue transforming Aquinas into an even more welcoming, comfortable, and inspiring place to live and learn.
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