No ResT for the Rocks When it Comes to Campus Projects

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Renovating, remodeling, reimagining are in the works for the Rocks throughout 2022.

Chris Raymer, Staff Reporter

The Rocks are putting this year’s “Never ResT” theme to good use by investing in more campus “revitalization.”

Despite $40 million having been “invested in the campus in the past 20 years,” enhancement of “the teaching and learning experience” continues.

Trinity President Dr. Rob Mullen announced the upcoming projects during Open House and in the most recent edition of The Leader. Mullen pointed to “generous donors and the Trinity High School Foundation” for making the projects possible.

He spoke of the numerous plans set for 2022, some of which focus on Marshall Stadium: a sidewalk to be built along Sherrin Avenue, replacement of existing chair back seats, a new playing surface, and a video scoreboard that will feature the work of “digital media and communication classes.”

Mainly, what students will appreciate is that the serving areas on the sides are going to be remodeled. FLIK and our Operations people have come up with a plan that will hopefully do two things: make getting through the line faster and present more food options. It’ll be a nice freshening up.

— Trinity President Dr. Rob Mullen

The current seats in the stadium’s reserved area have been there since the mid-2000s and are long overdue for an upgrade.

Of the new playing surface, Mullen said, “This will be the third turf we’ve had on this field, and we’re going to do some things differently with it. We’re expanding the soccer field, and we also have new graphics that will be used. The compression pad installed eight years ago to reduce injuries will remain.”

Trinity’s new video scoreboard will be “among the first of its kind for local high schools.

Mullen said, “It’s high definition, it’s sharp, it’s a really cool deal for the stadium.”

With high-quality video and instant-replay capability, Trinity hopes to be able to utilize the board at every home varsity football, soccer, and lacrosse game, as well as expanding into JV and freshman games as staffing allows. Sports teams won’t be the only ones to reap the benefits of this addition.

Mullen said, “Maybe, for example, some students decide to make a video about what (Mr. Patrick Heintz) is doing in the science lab. They can submit that, and if it passes approval, it’ll show during the games. The involvement that students can have in creating content is what really excites us.”

Classes such as video production will be in charge of running the board. “Some guys will be at the game maybe working the cameras,” Mullen said. “Some guys will be working instant replay, and some will be working with the graphics board. It’s going to be a really neat thing for the students.”

In addition to the stadium work, plans have begun for a “reimagined and remodeled Steinhauser Gymnasium, a new performing arts center and a campus service building.”

Projects also center on other areas of campus. The ninth science lab, which “features our new greenhouse,” will receive enhancements; “two flexible learning spaces in Sheehan Hall” will be used by the Traditional Department and learning support program.

The rooms will be turned into spaces designed for group work and interactive class time, during which students can brainstorm ideas together and work on projects.

Mullen said, “One room will (have) individual work areas, where, for example, an English class can read quietly. We’re also going to use these rooms in 2022 to form two study groups to reimagine how to redo Steinhauser Gym. Is there a way to take out the insides and put it back with new floors, new insides, etc.? There’s another group that will be looking into a new performing arts building.”

A new Admissions Office and a freshman orientation center are also in the works, along with a larger space for teacher professional development.

Alumni Hall, Trinity’s cafeteria, will be redone. Mullen said, “Mainly, what students will appreciate is that the serving areas on the sides are going to be remodeled. FLIK and our Operations people have come up with a plan that will hopefully do two things: make getting through the line faster and present more food options. It’ll be a nice freshening up.”

The Rocks’ seventh and largest courtyard will be built between the visitor stands and Shamrock and Sheehan halls. The Vincent Eckerle Courtyard construction will begin soon and will be used “as a gathering space for classes and alumni and campus events.”

The courtyard is being made possible through a generous gift in memory of Vincent Eckerle, who graduated from Trinity in 1983.

Due to new property acquisitions, Trinity will also be adding new parking spaces for use in the coming years.

“Some property nearby is going to be converted into parking, and we’re going to be adding about 60 to 70 new spaces,” Mullen said.

The Business Office will be remodeled, and larger locations for the Campus Store and Athletic Office are being considered as well.

Of the numerous ambitious projects and plans, Mullen said, “We’re really excited to see where it goes.”