@speedypitcher37 Well, some is the language is ambiguous, "mothballed" seemed like a less harsh word for condemned in my eyes. I also included the buildings being shuttered as buildings being demolished as they are planned to be demoed at a later date. All in all this plot of land is what is seemingly being used for nursing as they plan on using plots where they call "mothballed" buildings are located
I appreciate the information released; however, I would caution some skepticism about receiving the whole story and questioning motive when reading the Torch article, as I would with any news relying on a single source. The piece summarizes substantial parts of the administration letter written by Volpatti to faculty and staff, which I have read in full, but omits an important point about the extent or specifics of academic cuts, which just coincidentally will be matching and will be in the millions of dollars.
For some reason the total of administrative cuts is specified, but the extent of academic funding cuts from the letter isn't reported. These aren't mentioned in the long article except in passing during the following sentence segment: "not only do we look at academics, but we also look at all of the administrative services." Perhaps this quote can be seen as the motive. Throughout the story, Volpatti is the only one quoted, and he frames the narrative, which serves the administration in a public relations purpose as preparation for when academic cuts and staffing reductions are revealed.
The final paragraph of the Torch might be the most significant: "This is a developing story. The Torch will continue to follow this story and add updates as more information becomes available."
Large buildings on campus that are vacant (mothballed) is not a good look (especially to prospective students and families) unless you can clearly state a plan of what is going to be done with that land.
Large buildings on campus that are vacant (mothballed) is not a good look (especially to prospective students and families) unless you can clearly state a plan of what is going to be done with that land.
The torch article did state that mothballed properties were either in the process of being demolished. Going to be demolished at a later date, or are going to be renovated it seems
Sad to see about Dickmeyer and the A/P Building, as a lot of my time was spent in those buildings, with both classes and my adviser (Dr. Jim Nelson, set to retire soon) stationed there. I agree that mothballed buildings will make for an eery feeling around those buildings, but maybe we can start some 'ghost tours' in each? 😉 Spent my first 2 years in Brandt, making a ton of friends that keep in contact here and there, so it is good to see that continue, even though it was a bit broken down even in our day, right PO?
@valpopal so the old Broadway plot. I can only go off of the torch article so I was unaware. Decent move as it puts the building front and center, and minimal cost to plum and electrify the building seeing as all the old pipes and lines from Broadway are probably still there.
If the nursing school is located at Sturdy and 30 it would end up being further away from the Union than the current location. Makes little sense. Much better choice would be on the current site of Lank and Scheele or the West lawn.
If the nursing school is located at Sturdy and 30 it would end up being further away from the Union than the current location. Makes little sense. Much better choice would be on the current site of Lank and Scheele or the West lawn.
Since the first floor is planned as a working medical facility taking patients, it seems to me to make more sense to locate the building near access from public traffic, for which proximity to the intersection of US 30 and Sturdy Rd. appears ideal.
@valpopal I suspect a partnership with the Porter County Career center as well. VU already partners with them for their Health science 1 and 2 paths.
If the nursing school is located at Sturdy and 30 it would end up being further away from the Union than the current location. Makes little sense. Much better choice would be on the current site of Lank and Scheele or the West lawn.
Since the first floor is planned as a working medical facility taking patients, it seems to me to make more sense to locate the building near access from public traffic, for which proximity to the intersection of US 30 and Sturdy Rd. appears ideal.
That does make sense then. We would not want additional traffic on campus directly.
Just got an email telling me that Jake Sale is no longer with the University. Deeply disappointing as he is a fine young man with lots of potential. Cut backs?
My guess is that they were not happy with getting 1/2 the Athletics donations as last year during Valpo Day. I received the same email and did have positive experiences with Jake
Yeah at a time when athletics $$$ is very much needed to pay for massive projects I would assume there is no room for error. St Thomas in Minnesota just got a donor to fund their entire arena project, we need athletic donors to come through.
Although this law doesn't affect Valpo, I thought I would post it as we have a few professor members who might find it interesting/troubling.
