The Forum to wrap up south campus construction
Photo by Kimberly Sebring
At Lee University, the word “forum” has been attributed to the tall structure currently under construction on Lee’s south campus.
The Forum has already been living up to its name since it has provoked a certain buzz of excitement around campus. This tangible statement is expected to be completed in early January 2017 and will seal the completion of Lee’s expanded campus, according to Cole Strong, the assistant vice president for operations.
“It’s gonna be a great structure,” Strong said. “It’ll help tie that whole area together and really set off the south campus and our expansion in that area towards downtown.”
The structure itself will be multifaceted with two gathering places – one as an open area on the ground level and the second as a 20-foot high covered balcony within the tower. It will also include a four sided clock with seven bells, and will be capped off with a small cupola.
Strong said that the construction of the Forum is moving ahead with full force, and those on campus can expect to see even more progression throughout the rest of the semester.
“All of the steel tower is now in place, putting the Forum over 100 feet,” Strong said. “In the coming months the bells will be lifted to the top of the structure and a small cupola will be added.”
Sophomore nursing student Allison Kiemeyer has been at the center of Lee’s south side expansion and is excited to see the area become more established with The Forum.
“I am excited and I think it’s becoming like a new hub of campus,” Kiemeyer said. “At that point [completion], that end of campus will be really well developed. Instead of just being fields and dirt, it will be just a pretty part of campus.”
Professors have also been observing the addition to their corner of campus. Assistant Professor of Public Relations Mark Vermillion is eager to see more people come and reap the benefits of this new structure.
“Our Forum could provide a public space that isn't associated with any one area of study or any one student group,” Vermillion said. “I can see lots of possibilities for how it could be used.”
Students and faculty can look forward to returning after Christmas break and finding a unique corner of campus with a completed Forum standing tall.
