An updated classroom in Plassmann Hall
David Scibilia/The Bona Venture
BY: ELIZABETH KAMROWSKI, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Construction completed on the basement of Plassman and some residence halls, updating them for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Plassmann underwent major renovations that included new interior finishes, new furniture, and a new HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems]. The basement of Plassmann has been reconfigured into different-sized classroom spaces. Completion is planned for next year, totaling a three-year project.
Jamie Kaempf, a sophomore early childhood education major, said she was distracted while having class in Plassmann during construction.
“I had class on third-floor Plassmann, and we would often have to stop the class because they were being so loud with construction,” Kaempf said.
Despite the disturbance, students said they feel that the intermittent noise and distractions were worth it.
“It definitely needed to be done,” Kaempf said. “Comparing the basement now to what my classes looked like my freshman year is like night and day.”
Students have commented on the new updates to the classrooms and that they prefer the new technology, such as the screen projectors in the front of the rooms.
“It’s nice to not have chalkboards. I like that we have whiteboards in the classrooms along with updated technology,” Kaempf said.
The second and third floors will be completed this winter, said Jared Smith, the director of facilities.
In addition to Plassmann, there are many other renovation projects in the works at Bonaventure such as Murphy. There are plans to add an addition on the east side of the building, said Smith.
“Every year there are multiple projects in the summer for residence halls,” said Smith.
This year, furniture was replaced in Doyle Hall and a few of the townhouses. There was also new outdoor seating purchased for Robinson Hall and Falconio Hall, said Smith.
Tom Missel, chief communications officer at Bonaventure, said he believes that modernizing buildings and facilities on campus is essential for success.
“It’s important for us because we can’t afford to fall behind,” Tom Missel, the Chief Communications Officer at St. Bonaventure said. “You just have to stay ahead of the game because it’s so competitive and keeping your facilities up is part of that equation.”
University leaders are committed to making a difference in their facilities to better the educational and social lives of its students.
Missel believes the renovations and upgrades are enhancing the educational and extracurricular experience of Bonaventure’s students.
“If you have classes in Plassmann, there’s going to be temporary distractions at times, but that kind of improvement should be encouraging for anybody to see,” said Missel.
kamrowes23@bonaventure.edu
