WHJX 2100: FAMU-- Campus Beautification

Video shot and edited by: Jasmin Harris

Article by:
Whitney Tolbert

Every College or University strives to keep the appearance of their campus suitable and modern. The campus of Florida A&M University has recently under gone numerous changes to their campus beautification within the past several years.

Gore Educational Complex (GORE) which is the home to psychology and education students began it’s beautification in July of 2011. According the FAMU website, the project is set to be completed by November of 2013. When completed the three stories building will have efficient and modern day technology. “I remember as a freshman fall of 2009, I had my English class in GORE. Instead of bringing dry erase markers to class, my teacher bought pieces of chalk to write with on the blackboard.” said Malasia Greer a third year Pre-Physical Therapy student from Miami, Fla.

Jones Hall home to students who are pursuing degrees in the fields of chemistry, physics and biology underwent construction in the spring of 2010 and reopened in the fall of 2011. “Before the renovations I had two lab classes in Jones Hall. The equipment that we would use to do our labs wasn’t as efficient instead it was old.” said Greer. “I’m satisfied with the changes in Jones Hall. Everything is more technology savvy the equipment and the projectors.” said Joshua Patterson a third year Biology Pre-Medicine student from Jacksonville, Fla.

Lee Hall recently won an award for the building with the best architecture and construction. Lee Hall was recently renovated in1993. It seats 1,190 people. “It has modern lighting, audio systems and a full orchestra shell for concerts.” Via web “I actually don’t mind going to Lee Hall for forum.” said Andrew Lucas a second year Business Administration student from Tampa, Fla.

The biggest problem that the University faces when recruiting students is the condition of housing. Sampson and Young Halls recently reopened fall of 2011 after its renovations which include a social area on each floor. The Polkinghorne renovations began last month. With the increase in students here at the University this project will make way for a new residential facility.

“If I could change anything about on campus living, it’d be that we could control our air conditioning.” said Shelby Avery a Truth Hall Resident Assistant

Many students have complaints on the landscape of the University. “I like the landscaping around school, but it could be better. Paddyfote just re-did their landscaping and it looks nice.” said Avery. “The alumni brick walk way from Coleman Library to the Eternal Flame should have better maintenance. Some bricks are cracked and it makes the appearance of the campus look bad. Those bricks are there to show FAMU’s history and we should maintain them.” said Lucas.

Trash and Litter also seems to be a problem when it comes to our campus appearance. Many clubs and organizations volunteer to help keep the campus clean. “I serve as the secretary of the Green Coalition, the purpose is to spread awareness about environmental issues and different ways to combat these issues.” said Audrinne Wong Secretary of the Green Coalition. “We have increased the amount of trash cans around campus to help prevent so much campus litter, hopefully students will utilize them, and we also help with recycling.” Wong added

“We’ve also created a rain water system on the corner of Jackson Davis and it has created a beautiful space for students to relax and enjoy nature.” said Wong

The FAMU Aquatics center first opened in 1980 and was used for multiple purposes. Students were allowed to participate in athletic and recreational activities such as scuba diving and world competitions. In recent years the Aquatics center and the FAMU swimming and diving teams have suffered greatly do to a lack of funding to maintain the pool and in 2008 the pool was forced to close.

But there may be hope for the Aquatics center; there are proposals that have been made in support of the funding for the construction of the pool to take place. If these proposals are granted then the pool will be up and running for the2013-2014 academic year.--

Pictures provided by: Jonathan Heredia and Jasmin Harris