Open House showcases new facility

By Jennifer Jordan

The Human Resources and Training Center was completed over the summer. It houses 28 staff members from the Human Resources and Professional Development departments. This space differs greatly from the two-story McKee House (home to the Human Resources department since 1983) which had an office converted from a basement storage closet, and attic space which served as a library.

The Professional Development staff formerly occupied a variety of spaces across campus. Situating the two departments in the same building will allow for further collaboration on various training initiatives.

"The new Human Resources and Training Center is absolutely outstanding. It is functional for today's needs but was constructed with foresight," said Jim Kemper, assistant vice president for human resources. "The building is indicative of the University's commitment to 'people.' We have built numerous facilities for our primary mission and responsibility: the students.

"This building should send a message to the University community that all 'human resources' (employees) are critical to the success of the institution," Kemper added.

Artist and University employee Tad Gallaugher (right) discusses the display of his work with Gordon Pettey. Photo by Rick Fatica.

Several members of the University community were introduced to the facilities' features during an Open House held Oct. 23. Guided tours of the facility and a slide show of the building construction were featured during the event along with artwork by Tad Gallaugher, an illustrator with Printing Resources.

Gallaugher displayed prints from his Nature of Ohio series. Visitors had the opportunity to register to win a framed print and a set of notecards featuring various campus scenes. The winners were: Doreen Redecker, Facilities Management; Bonnie Childress, Research; Gerri Collins, Provost Office; Linda Shapiro, Finance; Pam Callahan, Facilities Planning; and Jean Witkoski, Arts and Sciences.

The center is operational from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To schedule a training room, complete with podiums which contain document cameras, VCR and DVD equipment, contact Debbie Campbell at (740) 597-2194. Computer training labs will be available beginning Nov. 1.

Jennifer Jordan is the communication coordinator for University Human Resources.