It's amazing what can happen in a week. As seen below, one week ago, remodeling of the Seay Student Center cafeteria was still in medias res --  but by yesterday morning's State of the University address by Dr. Niece, the results -- and the look of the spic-n-span new cafeteria -- were remarkable. U of O Business Manager Darrell W. Williams thanked all those who worked so hard to make it happen, which apparently included some late night hours the night before. Thank you everybody involved!

Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Bill Doria and U of O Business Manager Darrell W. Williams examine the newly installed bunsen burners in the just-renovated Smith/Broyles Quantative Chemistry Lab. Below, Williams tests the new fume hoods with one of the workers from James H. Cone construction of Little Rock. According to Williams, work also continues rapidly across the mall at the Seay Student Center. He says painting, installation of the ceiling grid, carpet, tilework, and dishroom flooring are all going in right now.  "We hope to have the cafeteria's dishwashing machine in by the end of the week," Williams said. "The new furniture to be delivered on August 12."

Things are looking good in the Seay Student Union as painters roll on the paint. Across the mall, carpenters are quickly putting together the new cabinets and equipment in the Smith/Broyles Quantative Chemistry Lab, including sinks, eyewashers, and fume hoods. Meanwhile, workers are busy pouring the slab for what will become the new 6,600 sq. ft. residence hall, Trustee Hall, located on the east side of the current apartment-style residence halls east of campus.

The summer's renovation and construction projects are moving along swiftly. According to U of O Business Manager Darrell W. Williams, the painting and carpeting of Founders Bookstore is underway this week, with plans to move Bookstore Manager Kay Merritt back in starting Friday.   Painting is ongoing on the lower level, and demolition continues in the Purple and Gold Room.  Across the campus mall, new windows are going into the Smith/Broyles Quantative Chemistry Lab. Digging also continues in preparation for pouring the concrete slab for the new student dorm, and below, Student Life Office Manager Glenda Gibson keeps things running from her temporary office in Bagwell-Jones residence hall.

Look out for the wet cement! City of Clarksville workers are in the midst of pouring new sidewalks behind Munger Chapel on Johnson Street and up Buchanan to North Street. According to U of O Business Manager Darrell W. Williams, the projects are a response to the "safety of students and staff." He said a number of students live north of Buchanan Street and walk to school, and that pedestrians have difficulty in both areas.

Progress continues apace on the renovation of the Seay Student Center. Pictured below, workers take a quick lunch break from putting up drywall upstairs, while downstairs, walls are being prepped to paint. "Currently we're working on plumbing and electrical," says U of O Business Manager Darrel W. Williams. "Painting has also started on the lower level. We're concentrating on getting the student life offices and bookstore ready to move back into as soon as possible. Furnishings, cabinetry, and food service equipment are all in process. Our target date to be complete with the renovation is August 2." Meanwhile, renovation of the Smith-Broyles Science Center is well underway, and across the street to the east, rebar work is ongoing in anticipation for pouring the slab for the new apartment-style residence hall.

Dig dig dig that crazy foundation! (or, Where’s Mike Mulligan when you need him?)  -- James H. Cone Construction of Little Rock has begun digging in the area south of the Seay Student Center, site of the planned expansion. The 14,000-square-foot addition to the student center will include a new health and fitness center, a new community conference center and increased dining capacity for students.

Staff and student workers wheel out the contents of the Student Life office, which have been moved temporarily to Bagwell-Jones Residence hall.