Looking fresh

Wright State University welcomed students back for Fall Semester with a fresh-looking campus.

The Offices of Marketing, Campus Recreation, and Enrollment Management, Facility Operations and the Department of Public Safety have been busy with numerous projects to improve the campus experience for students and visitors.

An underground tunnel connecting Hamilton Hall and the Student Union is scheduled to reopen at the end of 2023. The tunnel will have new lighting and an electronic access entry for students so they can access their dorm rooms.

“Although it isn’t a long trip from Hamilton Hall above ground, it will allow our students living there to stay out of the weather,” said Eric Corbitt, director of the Student Union and campus recreation.

The City of Fairborn is nearing completion of the Colonel Glenn Enhancement Project. The project included a new 10-foot wide multi-use path, new sidewalks, a decorative stone plaza and landscaping along Colonel Glenn Highway.

“I love the outward appearance of the university,” said Markus Perry, a junior majoring in organizational leadership. “It makes it more welcoming especially for people who are into recreational sports, riding bikes or running.”

The Office of Marketing and Facility Operations have focused on improving campus beautification and branding through environmental design over the past several months.

A mural celebrating Paul Laurence Dunbar was installed outside Dunbar Library. (Photo by Erin Pence)

New banners were designed and installed around campus and along Colonel Glenn Highway. A mural was installed at the new center housing Wright State’s MRI scanner in the Neuroscience Engineering Collaboration building. A mural celebrating Paul Laurence Dunbar was installed outside the Dunbar Library near the Starbucks entrance. Army ROTC also installed a large mural on the first floor of Millet Hall.

The basement of Russ Engineering, the main entrance lobby at Lake Campus and the Student Union Apollo Room are receiving new artwork as well.

“One of our largest efforts yet has been working with our Enrollment Management team to improve the visitor experience in the Apollo Room,” said Mark Anderson, director of marketing.

The Department of Public Safety and Parking Services have updated Dayton Campus parking for all users. The cost of parking on the Dayton Campus for students and employees has been reduced. Students can park in both white and yellow spaces and purchase reserved spots with a Rowdy permit.

“We have also added two reserved parking spaces in parking Lot 10 for veteran students with disabilities,” said Kurt Holden, director of public safety.

In a few short weeks, students will be able to sign out a free bike and helmet from Campus Recreation’s new bicycle library. The Outdoor Recreation Center purchased 13 Trek bicycles that students can use and four off-road, electric, accessible quad bikes.

A new panel featuring the Wright brothers was installed in the Student Union Apollo Room. (Photo by Chris Snyder)

“Students will be able to explore the wonderful bike trails this area has to offer,” said Corbitt.

A covered shelter to house the new equipment and two bicycle fixing stations located at Dunbar Library and the rear of the Student Union will be constructed this fall.

Perry said the beatification and branding updates are welcome additions.

“It’s great for school pride,” said Perry. “It’s all amazing.”