Four visible areas of change occurred on campus this summer. Tri-State University worked throughout the summer to complete the construction projects prior to the start of the school year. The projects included housing, athletic facilities, parking, and TSU’s main entrance.

“Now is an exciting time at TSU,” said Dr. Earl Brooks II, TSU President. “We accomplished a great deal over the summer, and we will continue our progress during the school year. The highlight will be the much-anticipated groundbreaking of our new University Center.”

One of the most noticeable changes to TSU’s campus is the new plaza located in front of the Sponsel Administrative Center. The plaza includes a new marble fountain and brick walkway. The fountain was a gift to TSU from the Class of 2004 and Drs. Ralph (’60) and Sheri Trine. The addition of the fountain is part of TSU’s restoration of the Sponsel Administrative Center and further enhances TSU’s new boulevard.

The Ingledue Villas, which construction began in late 2004, were completed in time for move-in day in mid-August. The apartment-style housing consists of three-, four-, and five-bedrooms, completely furnished, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, microwaves and vacuum cleaners. The apartments also have living room, dining room and bedroom furniture, as well as a TV, DVD, and stereo system in the living rooms. The Ingledue Villas and Trine Villas, a part of the TSU Campus Village, accommodate 92 upperclassmen.

Thunders sports received renovations as well. Over the summer, the baseball field was under construction due to the generous donation from Dr. Robert (Class of 1950) and Dolores Jannen. The changes to the field included a new backstop with a three-foot high brick wall. The renovated field will be dedicated and renamed, Jannen Field, in memory of the Jannen’s son, Bob, during Homecoming 2005.

The final summer construction project was completed during the first week of classes. TSU’s campus received a much-needed new paved parking lot located on the corner or Darling and Park Streets. Previously, the lot was gravel and was difficult to park in, especially for those wanting to visit the TSU Bookstore, TSU Library, or Franks School of Education.