The Online Reflector

Esch Hall underwent construction during the summer, which added new classrooms, more space for select offices shuffled the theatre department.

Construction took place at the eastern end of Esch Hall. The addition of two new classrooms along what was once merely wall is one of the most noticeable enhancements.

The english, philosophy and religion departments gained some room to spread, but one department was most heavily shuffled during the change.

The theatre department closed up shop—literally—and moved some things to new locations. The scenery shop, originally located in Esch’s basement, is now at the east end of the physical plant building located behind Cory Bretz Hall. As a result, more classroom space was made available near the theatre’s department office, and the staff has more room to work. Despite all the adapting, theatre department chair Jim Ream is optimistic about the impact it will have on the department.

The school informed the departments and offices affected in Esch Hall near the end of last semester, and the work was completed before the start of the school year.

The offices for accounting and human resources used to share space, but as of this fall they each have separate spaces. Administrative Assistant Connie Shelburn and her co-workers in the Human Resources Office are adjusting to the new home.

“It takes a while to get it all together,” Shelburn said, referring to the physical movement, but she stressed the office’s higher efficiency level.

“We now have an area for student workers. They used to have only a corner and a table.”

Ream was pleased with how his department benefited from the changes as well.

“We are very excited and pleased about our space,” Ream said.

He also said that the logistics of using the space are better. For example, supplies used from the scenery shop can now be transported by vehicle from its new location to the theatre.

“We will make efficient use of all the space we have available.”