The Student Commons Gets a Refresh at Colorado State University
The renovation of the school’s Durrell Center is now complete, a project that included the complete interior revitalization of an existing student commons building that was first constructed in the 1960s. The building now hosts a new state-of-the-art food marketplace with international cuisine and seating for 500 guests, plus an outdoor dining patio. The lower level provides a late-night venue that offers grab-and-go-dining, gaming, an Internet café and meeting rooms that seat up to 250 people.
(970) 491.1378
University of California, Santa Barbara Has Space Under the Stars
The university’s Housing and Residential Services department recently announced a new renovation project. The De La Guerra Dining Commons Patio now features new wood furniture, an expanded canopy for inclement weather and permanent overhead heaters and lights for those dark, chilly nights. Guests can enjoy the soft glow of the moon and ocean breezes in this open-air environment. The patio is open until 12:30 a.m. for those looking for a late-night dining option or midnight snack under the stars.
(805) 893.3072
University of Massachusetts Lowell Opens State-of-the-Art Center
Acting as a gateway to UMass Lowell’s North Campus is the new Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center (ETIC). This academic research building was opened last October and offers 1,400 square feet of event space that can be used for a board meeting, reception or conference.
(978) 934.6657
Ontario’s Georgian College Powers Up Electric Vehicles
Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario welcomes guests with electric vehicles thanks to a first-of-its-kind charging station supported by PowerStream and Ford Motor Company of Canada. The station is solar power-assisted and has superior ability to collect research data for students studying alternative power methods, plus the capacity to offer Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 vehicle charging to the public. Level 2 is available now with plans to install a Level 3 charger underway. With Level 2 charging, a pure electric vehicle can refuel from empty to full power in about eight hours. With Level 3, that time is reduced to less than an hour.
uniquevenues.com/GeorgianConferenceServices
(705) 728.1968
Iowa State Team Receives An Award for Being Outstanding
In partnership with the Ames CVB, Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach Conference Planning and Management team orchestrated more than 150 events in 2012, many of them new to the area and leaving a significant impact on the community. Among the groups were the National Beep Baseball Association World Series, the Midwest Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference and the Farm Progress Show. The collaboration of the CVB and the college has enabled the community to compete for group business and showcase the area as a premiere event destination. For these reasons, the school received the 2013 International Outstanding Institutional Achievement Award from ACCED-I (Association of Collegiate Conference & Event Directors – International), which recognizes significant achievements by an institution in the conference and event field.
(515) 956.3200
Rowan University Plans the “Quintessential College Town”
Located minutes from Philadelphia, the Glassboro, New Jersey university is ensuring students and conference guests will never have to leave campus again for shopping and entertainment. It’s all thanks to a new $3 million project that connects the campus with the downtown epicenter. Called Rowan Boulevard, the initiative is a partnership between the university, surrounding borough and developers. Construction will include a one-third mile long corridor that will be lined with shops and restaurants at street level along with housing and offices above the retail stores. Confirmed tenants include a Barnes & Noble collegiate superstore, a Courtyard by Marriott hotel and conference center as well as an apartment complex just for Rowan University.
(856) 256.5449
Southern New Hampshire University is Building from the Ground Up
The Manchester campus has their hard hats on, designing exciting new structures that will provide great additions for students and conference guests alike. To start, the university has a new parking lot that can fit more than 400 cars, plus a brand new residence hall that offers 300 beds for overnight guests. During the day, guests can find opportunities for research, downtime during session breaks and a special venue space with a new library in the center of campus.
(603) 645.9612
Niagara College Offers Mouth-Watering Culinary Delight
At the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, student degree programs are just as beneficial to event attendees. With an onsite culinary institute, guests can enjoy four-season menus that are unparalleled in the area. Plus a winery and brew master management program also extends to guest experiences with a bar menu that has something for everyone, including award-winning VQA wines crafted by Terence Van Rooyen. Even better, two of the colleges are only minutes from Niagara Falls, offering an impressive view.
(905) 641.4435
It’s Easy Being Green at Loyola University Chicago
In August, the school’s sprawling Lake Shore Campus opened the doors to its brand new San Francisco Hall, the first LEED certified housing option on campus. The environmentally friendly building has accommodations for 400 people and also features a green café and greenhouse for guests. It will be open for conference guests beginning in the summer of 2014.
uniquevenues.com/LoyolaChicago
(773) 508.8090