Posted July 10, 2024
RIVER FALLS, WI. – The Hathorn Residence Hall courtyard will be renovated this summer for the first time since its construction in 1950, following successful efforts to secure funding.
Trevor Lerum, a junior, studying Business Administration and Management secured $6,000 in funding for the Hathorn Hall courtyard restoration project through the Student Government Association. The funding will cover the cost of new trees, flowers, a grill, hammocks, and other materials needed for the renovation.
“This project was a collaboration between students, staff, and faculty,” Lerum said. “My co-worker Jody Pederson, a full-time Grounds Department worker, wanted to do something, but she was unsure where funding would come from.” Lerum decided to proceed with the project after discussing the idea with friends and his mother, an alumna who mentioned that the courtyard had not been updated in over 30 years.
Jody Pederson and Darren Johnson, Grounds Manager, provided details on the project timeline. Johnson noted that there was a delay due to other maintenance work in the area, but the Grounds Department expects to start the renovation in late June or early July. The project is anticipated to take about two weeks, with the goal of completing it before the fall semester begins.
Pederson thanked Karyn Wells, Director of Business Operations and Facilities within the Residence Department, for partnering with the Residence Hall Association (RHA) to compensate student workers involved in the project. The renovation aims to create a new hangout space for students and demonstrate successful collaboration between students and faculty.
The article may be found online at https://uwrfjournalism.org/2024/07/hathorn-courtyard-to-be-renovated-after-30-years/.