The renovated Anderson Hall will include a gathering space for students and faculty.
Gustavus Adolphus College President Rebecca M. Bergman announced today that the $8 million complete renovation of A.H. Anderson Hall will begin this January. The project, which is expected to conclude by February 2017, will prepare the building to house the Department of Education, the College’s Academic Support Center and Writing Center, the John S. Kendall Center for Engaged Learning, and a new multifaith center.
“Our education program has been a hallmark of Gustavus excellence and service since the College’s founding in 1862,” Bergman said. “This renovation will provide our students with a dynamic learning environment that is designed to produce exceptional K-12 educators.”
Debra Pitton, professor and chair of the education department, looks forward to moving into the updated building. “The teaching spaces and technology will reflect best practices in K-12 schools and enable education majors to prepare for their teaching career in a more realistic setting,” she said. “Overall, the remodeled Anderson Hall provides a space to implement and model effective methodologies that will enhance our future teachers’ pedagogical skills and prepare them to meet the needs of their future learners.”
Located on the College’s main academic mall, the historic Kasota stone building opened in 1948 and originally served as the Gustavus library. It was renamed A.H. Anderson Hall in 1973 and became the home of the social sciences until 2011. In addition to creating inviting spaces for education, advising, and faith exploration, the renovated building will include a three-story open gathering space to encourage collaboration and group work for students and faculty.
“The Anderson renovation is almost exclusively funded through philanthropic gifts. The project is anchored by donations from several members of the Gustavus Board of Trustees, related families, and close friends of the College,” Vice President for Advancement Thomas W. Young ’88 said. “We are deeply grateful to our generous donors for their strong support of excellence in education.”
Nearly all of the $8 million was donated in very short-term commitments and outright cash, which allows for the aggressive renovation timeline. “We are excited that our current and incoming students will have the opportunity to utilize these spaces in the very near future,” Bergman said.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510