Welcome back to W&J for the 2019-2020 academic year! This was a busy summer, with campus improvement projects happening around nearly every corner. You’ve probably noticed some changes!
Please note that all of these projects were made possible through capital funds released by the Board of Trustees and through the generous philanthropic support of W&J alumni and friends. No tuition dollars were used, so each project was completed at no cost to students.
Here’s what’s new this fall:
Residence Halls
Student housing is one of W&J’s highest priorities. Extensive interior and exterior renovations were made to three Presidents Row buildings, including open living space on the first floors, central heat and air conditioning, and new, ADA-accessible rooms. The other six Presidents Row buildings benefited from new exterior paint, with interior renovations planned over the next two years.
Beau Hall is also sporting newly-renovated common areas (including a brand-new lounge with kitchen and study spaces for commuter students to use between classes), a new kitchen, and updated living spaces to help students feel right at home.
Henry Gym
By mid-semester when you visit Henry Memorial Center to cheer on the Presidents, you’ll find new bleachers and flooring as well as a new student fitness/wellness center. There’s also a new alumni gathering space, where we can’t wait to meet old friends. Plus, Henry is now air conditioned. This is a continuation of the project that began with construction of the Ross Family Recreation Center in 2017.
Rossin Campus Center
The sidewalks outside of The Commons and Rossin Campus Center have been replaced and so has the Rossin Patio, with a safer and more efficient stairwell design and new seating, ensuring that this area remains a favorite study and gathering place for students, faculty, and staff alike. Inside The Commons, you’ll see new flooring and furniture to make your dining experience even better.
Amphitheater & Landscaping
Our new amphitheater in front of the Tech Center is sure to be the site of great W&J concerts and performances by our student theater and music groups as well as outside artists. It’s open all the time, so students, faculty, and staff can hold class or meetings, study, or just lounge around and relax with friends. And where is our coal miner statue, you ask? He’s still keeping watch over campus from his new location on the Tech Center lawn.
Clark Family Library
Just before Commencement 2019, the College dedicated the Clark Family Library, where extensive interior and exterior renovations were completed over the past year. This includes a new portico with outdoor seating where students can study or relax. The entirety of the library renovation – which included interior renovations in 2018 – was funded by a leading gift from Richard (Class of ’68) and Angela Clark, with contributions from other generous donors to the college.
Green Space
An update to the area between McMillan Hall and Thompson Hall improved walkways and created new green space for the campus community to enjoy. The Olin lawn is still open green space, too. Meet up for a spikeball game?
About Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a selective liberal arts college founded in 1781. Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional arts and sciences curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent study work. For more information about W&J, visit washjeff.dev, or call 888-W-AND-JAY.