By: Jasmine Gage, Writer
Mckendree University is undergoing a few renovations around the campus, and students cannot wait until each refurbishment is complete! Currently, the only places on campus closed for renovations are our beloved Lair and the Fitness Center. As a student here at Mckendree, I cannot wait to see what the new renovations bring, but why wait when we can find out right now?
I interviewed Grace Gross, Student Government Association Secretary, and she provided me with the following details:
Why are the Lair and Fitness Center closed?
“There was a leak in the roof of the fitness center. This caused it to flood, and black mold came up. Similar things happened to the Lair.”
What improvements can we expect from these renovations?
“The Lair is going to be completely remodeled, with a new air conditioning unit.”
How long will the renovations take?
“Unfortunately, there is not a set date in place for the renovations to be finished. They are working hard with the contractors to make these renovations appeal to the students’ eyes.”
Even though many students are excited about the new changes that will come, I also wanted to see how people felt about the closing of the Fitness Center. As a substitute for those who wish to work out, Mckendree is providing open gym hours at the Performance Center located on Belleville Street from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays! I decided to interview two students to hear what they had to say about this temporary replacement until the Fitness Center project is complete.
The first person I interviewed was Marvin Phipps, a sophomore and football player here at Mckendree. Here is how our interview went:
Do you enjoy using the Performance Center?
“I do not like using the Performance Center. I am a night lifter, which means I like to work out late at night or early in the morning before anyone gets there. I prefer the peace and quiet when I work out versus the noise and loud whenever I enter the gym. When I go into the building, it’s always preoccupied by another team or people who happen to come in. I also don’t like driving, so the Weight Room was convenient to me.”
Do you go anywhere else to work out?
“No, I only use the Performance Center to work out.”
Does it affect your usual schedule?
“Yes, it affects my usual schedule. The Performance Center is a distance away, and sometimes I just want to work out on campus instead of using gas to go around the campus. If I go to the Weight Room for 30 minutes, then I will be gone for 30 minutes max. Instead, I have to get my equipment, get into my car, and take all these unnecessary steps to go work out when I could just walk to the Weight Room.”
The next person I interviewed was Breezian Wilson, a junior and football player here at Mckendree. Here is how our interview went:
Do you enjoy using the Performance Center?
“I like the Performance Center as an athlete. It provides all of the equipment I need for my training goals.”
Do you go anywhere else to work out?
“No, I only use the Performance Center to work out.”
Does it affect your usual schedule?
“No, the Performance Center is mostly available within my schedule.”
Unfortunately, I was unable to interview more people and staff about the renovations or feelings on campus with these projects, but hopefully, this article will clear away any wandering thoughts! As much as I anticipated, students cannot wait for these renovations to be complete and bring us closer together as a Mckendree family!
