New Center at Lawrence Tech to ‘Redefine’ Student Service   Southfield, Mich. -- Recognizing the challenges and difficulties of rigorous technological curricula, Lawrence Technological University seeks to build a new Student Services Center that will redefine the student experience at the 5,000-student private university.

     “We can do something better,” Charles M. Chambers, president, declared, announcing Lawrence Tech’s intent to raise some $8.2 million by 2005 to build a center that aims to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of student services from admissions through career development and placement. 

     The building is the final component of a $32 million capital campaign that began in 2000 and, due to its success, twice raised its sights from its original $20 million goal.  Some $3 million of a $6 million gift from alumnus Ed Donley, retired chair of Air Products and Chemicals Co., and his wife, Inez, has already been committed to the Center.

    “America needs new engineers, architects, scientists, and executives in order to sustain its leadership role in the global economy,” Chambers said.  “Since there are fewer students interested in these careers and these are tough degree programs for which to prepare, once we enroll students, Lawrence Tech is going to do all it can to help them achieve their dreams.”

    The three-story 35,000 sq. ft. center sits on a compact footprint near the center of Lawrence Tech’s 120-acre campus in Southfield.  Supporting Lawrence Tech as one of the nation’s largest architectural programs, the Center will be a living laboratory featuring innovative environmental advances

    The building will be oriented to maximize day lighting and features a bioswale, designed to reduce water runoff and utilize vegetation to clean water by removing pollutants commonly found in snow and rain run-off.

    Vegetation plays another role in the 13,000 sq. ft. sedum roof. This drought resistant plant encourages indigenous bird life and helps control water run-off. Water not absorbed by roof plantings is treated and used to offset the center’s water use for waste disposal. Water also plays a role in the 80 300-foot deep geo-thermal wells to aid cooling or heating.  These wells will be represented by a symbolic “garden of light,” a low voltage light array recharged by photovoltaic cells. Environmental friendly insulation provides comfort without sacrificing indoor air quality. Chambers said the building will be rigorously evaluated to meet a level of sustainable design as measured by the LEED Rating System.

    “Improving services that drive student accomplishment and achievement is both the tradition and the aspiration that distinguishes Lawrence Tech,” Chambers said. “As we have expanded on-campus housing opportunities and enhanced student counseling and social opportunities in recent years, we’ve already seen an increase in retention and graduation rates. The new building allows us to consolidate many of these helpful services in one convenient location and even cross train certain staff to help students have needs met in a more seamless way.”

    Seven functions now spread throughout campus, with some in makeshift quarters or converted classrooms, will be grouped for maximum student convenience and access in the new Student Services Center:

• Welcome Center for new students and Alumni Hall showcasing the achievements of students and alumni;
• One-Stop Center combining admissions, the registrar, financial aid, and cashier;
• Academic Achievement Center providing tutoring, academic counseling, and related services;
• Career Services Center;
• Dean of Students offices;
• University Board Room; and a
• Student Computing Center aimed at helping students take best advantage of Lawrence Tech’s growing capabilities as Michigan’s first wireless laptop campus.

    Long a leader in studying and applying emerging technologies, Lawrence Tech is developing alternative energy curricula in concert with Michigan’s NextEnergy initiative. The University is also a partner with DTE in developing its hydrogen power park. Lawrence Tech offers over 50 degree programs up through the doctoral level in Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Management. It was founded in 1932.