The Gannon Family has grown in many ways since the University has been established. It has increased the number of students it graduates each year. The number of alumni in the Gannon network has expanded to include several generations. It has also recently welcomed a record number of international students into the family.
With this growth in numbers has come a growth in the development of brick and mortar for Gannon University. Recently, Gannon has opened a second campus location in Ruskin, Florida, in addition to grand openings and dedications of several new academic learning environments and the modernization of existing buildings. Renovations to Gannon’s Beyer Hall have most recently been added to this list.
A strategic focus on global efforts has led to the opportunity for Beyer Hall to be renovated and repurposed as a hub for student engagement, more intentionally bringing together Gannon’s international and domestic students.
Since its formal dedication in April 1962, Beyer Hall has been home to several classrooms, laboratories and lounges, as well as Gannon’s ROTC program, now located in the A.J. Palumbo Academic Center, and the Dahlkemper School of Business, now located in the Center for Business Ingenuity.
More than 50 years later, Beyer Hall will soon be home to both Gannon’s Global Enrollment and Engagement Division, formerly known as International Enrollment and Affairs, and its Student Development and Engagement Division.
The $6.3 million renovation project, expected to be completed by Fall 2016, will update and modernize the second, third and fourth floors of the 40,000 square-foot facility. The first floor dining hall previously underwent renovations in 2004.
The second floor will integrate student clubs and organizations with international student services in one common space, bringing together:
- Office of Global Admissions and Outreach, formerly known as the International Admissions Office
- Office of Global Support and Student Engagement, formerly known as the International Student Office
- Student Organizations and Leadership Development Office (S.O.L.D.)
- Student Government Association
- Activities Programming Board
- Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils
Upon completion, the third floor will be the new home of:
- The Student Development and Engagement leadership team
- First Year Experience classes
- Residence Life Office
- The Barker Globalization Institute, which encompasses all of Gannon’s learning abroad and global initiatives
The Office of English Language and Global Training, formerly known as the English as a Second Language (ESL) program, will receive its own dedicated space on the fourth floor, equipped with several classrooms and a resource center.
In an effort to include features that speak to the global understanding and inclusiveness of Gannon’s Mission, a non-denominational chapel will be available in Beyer Hall for all students, faculty and staff. Additionally, foot wash stations will be installed adjacent to the chapel for Muslim prayer preparation.
Because the significant growth in Gannon University’s student population, specifically its international students, happened almost simultaneously with the growth of learning abroad opportunities and a more engaged student experience on campus, the renovation and repurposing of Beyer Hall was seen as an opportunity to give back to our students.
Not only will Beyer Hall become a place of inclusiveness and social development for our students, but it will also foster an environment where students are provided the types of opportunities that will allow them to continue to grow and flourish as upstanding, global citizens.