By this time next year, A.H. Anderson Hall, will be a brand new building. The complete renovation of the building started this past January of 2016.
The new and improved Anderson Hall will be able to house multiple facets of Gustavus including: the Department of Education, the College’s Academic Support Center and Writing Center, the John S. Kendall Center for Engaged Learning, and a new multi-faith center.
“As a Junior, I’m really excited I’ll be able to experience the space in the new A.H. Anderson Hall for at least a semester before I graduate next spring” – Danica Tiegs
In 1948, A.H. Anderson Hall opened its doors and originally was known as the Gustavus Library. However, it eventually took over the home for the social sciences in 1973 and inherited it’s A.H. Anderson Hall name. The overall project will take $8 million to complete, which was donated in short-term commitments and out-right cash in order to achieve the timeline that was set for the project.
“Our education program has been a hallmark of Gustavus excellence and service since the College’s founding in 1862,” Gustavus Adolphus’ President Bergman said.
“This renovation will provide our students with a dynamic learning environment that is designed to produce exceptional K-12 educators,” Bergman added.
The renovation, similar to that of Gustavus’ Beck Academic Hall, will provide welcoming spaces for education, advising and faith exploration, as well as, a three story open gathering space to encourage collaboration and group work for students and faculty. The Gustavus community including its students, faculty and staff are extremely excited for the opening of the new building.
The generous donation of $8 million made the renovation and improvement of the education possible for the Gustavus students.
“As a Junior, I’m really excited I’ll be able to experience the space in the new A.H. Anderson Hall for at least a semester before I graduate next spring,” Junior Communication Studies and Business Management major, Danica Tiegs said.
Even the faculty and staff are looking forward to the new building opening.
“The teaching spaces and techonolgy will reflect best practices in K-12 schools and enable education majors to prepare for their teaching career in a more realistic setting,” Professor and chair of the education department, Debra Pitton, said.
Overall, the new A.H. Anderson Hall will provide a better environment for students, faculty and staff with it’s collaborative, open and effective techonolgy.