UIndy dedicates building
The University of Indianapolis held a dedication ceremony for Roberts Hall on Sept. 27 on the building’s front lawn with representatives from the university and construction and architectural companies.
The ceremony began with Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Kory Vitangeli welcoming everyone and introducing the representatives on the stage: Chair of the Board of Trustees Bob Wingerter, UIndy President Robert Manuel, Executive Vice President at Blackburn Architects Ted Givens, President of Wilhelm Construction Phil Kenny and Roberts Hall Resident Assistant Daventry Burroughs.
Chaplain and Director of the Lantz Center for Christian Vocations and Formation Jeremiah Gibbs delivered an opening invocation.
“As we gather to dedicate this building, we ask especially for a blessing upon the students living here today and who will live here for years to come,” Gibbs said.
Manuel stepped up to the podium to talk about Roberts Hall, calling it another jewel in the crown of UIndy’s facilities.
Givens discussed the architects’ goals while working on the new residence hall.
“When we [Blackburn Architects] start a project, we try to make sure one of the key elements to consider is ‘can the design solution accomplish the client’s goals?’” Givens said. “On this project, the goal was to provide as much space as possible, within a limited budget, within a limited time frame.”
Kenny said that Roberts Hall boasts unique features like its solar powered water heating system, but the building’s design also allows it to blend in with the rest of campus.
Closing the ceremony, Wingerter spoke about the naming of Roberts Hall.
“When the trustees discussed naming this institution after our first president [John Taylor Roberts], it really made all kinds of sense,” Wingerter said. “[He]had both the educational knowledge as well as the religious heritage knowledge of what this institution was founded upon.”
The representatives ended the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Afterward, Manuel said that the addition of Roberts Hall is very significant to UIndy.
“It adds a space where we can continue a community that has developed over the past hundred years,” Manuel said. “It is a terrific opportunity to expand and think about the physical space.”
