ISSUED: 15 August 2017
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — When students return to Shepherd University for classes on August 28, they will find more parking, a new space where they can study and hang out, and a new residence hall that includes an additional dining option.
Students who commute to classes will have more parking on the East Campus. During the summer, Sara Cree Hall was torn down and replaced with a 92-space parking lot (C lot), which is reserved for students who do not live on campus and who have purchased red parking decals. C lot can be accessed from Route 480 through the Erma Ora Byrd Hall parking lot.
The construction of the parking lot was made possible by an interest-free loan from the Higher Education Policy Commission and a contribution from the Corporation of Shepherdstown. The grassy area around the lot will be modestly landscaped through a donation by the Shepherd Success Fund. During Home football games, the new lot will serve as a premium tailgating area and when not in use, will be available for general parking by campus and town visitors.
The new commuter lounge is located in room 203 of Stutzman-Slonaker Hall in a space previously occupied by the Shepherd Early Learning Center. Dr. Tom Segar, vice president for student affairs, said the lounge is really for any student, but is designed with the help of the Student Government Association with commuter students in mind. It offers a kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, and sink and a fenced-in outdoor area.
“It has nice, comfortable furniture,” Segar said. “There is some soft seating as well as tables and chairs, including high-top tables. It is a space that can be used in any way the students see fit.”
Segar said Shepherd’s population has outgrown the Student Center, which was built in 1961-62 and expanded in 1973, so there’s a need for more places for students to congregate. The new 298-bed residence hall, Potomac Place, will offer students even more study space and another dining option. The building includes student lounges and study rooms for residents, and a dining room and outdoor patio that will be open to the campus and community.
“I think students are going to be pleasantly surprised when they return to campus,” Segar said. “It’s important that we try to meet the needs of students, and that’s what this is all about.”
Nonprofit organizations throughout Jefferson and Berkeley counties will get some help from Shepherd University students during the 18th annual Day of Service. On Tuesday, August 22, 90 first-year students enrolled in the Emerging Leaders in Service program, nine student leaders, and 12 faculty and staff members will volunteer from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 15 agencies.
Students will help with tasks at Panhandle Home Health, Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department, Boys and Girls Club in Jefferson and Berkeley counties, Shepherdstown Community Club, Shepherdstown Daycare, Telamon, Berkeley Senior Services, Shepherdstown Visitors Center, Jefferson County Community Ministries, Horses with Hearts, Yankauer Nature Preserve, Shepherdstown Caring Cupboard, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
For more information about the Day of Service, contact Emily Unnone at 304-876-5453 or eunnone@shepherd.edu.
The kick-off to the 2017-2018 school year also includes:
- Thursday, August 24, new students move in
- Friday, August 25, 9 a.m., Butcher Center, new student convocation
- Sunday, August 27, 9:30 a.m., returning students move in
- Monday, August 28, fall classes begin
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