The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Getting adjusted to Cardinal Newman Hall

    After nine years of residential vacancy, Cardinal Newman Hall, located across from White Hall, has been filled to 90 percent capacity.
    The facility was officially open to students on Jan. 9, 2013. Despite the walking, plumbing and bathroom sharing, the student relocation to Cardinal Newman has proven to be successful.
    “Many previous residents of the building have cherished memories of their time as a Cardinal Newman resident and still return to campus each year for Cardinal Newman reunions during Homecoming festivities,” said Amanda Robbins, assistant director for residential life. “We look forward to creating lasting communities and relationships with residents of the building for years to come.”
    The dorm currently houses students who were relocated during renovations to Zachary Taylor Hall.
    “Cardinal Newman is a big improvement from Zachary Taylor,” said Matthew Krumm, a sophomore criminal justice major. “There is a fully functioning elevator instead of going up deadly stairs.”
    During the residential vacancy the building served as office space for faculty and staff. Renovations to the building began in fall 2012, allowing for it to reopen as a dorm. Updates include a fire system, a warming kitchen, a laundry area, wireless hot spots and outdoor seating space.
    “University Housing has received positive feedback from students about the facility location, community and view,” said Robbins. “The view from the stairwells is one of the best on campus, as the building boasts large windows in each bedroom.”
    Several students had a variety of specific appreciations for the new dorm.
    “The lobby is a nice size for social events, and the kitchenette area is pretty useful as well with microwaves and sinks,” said Krumm. “Each room shares a renovated bathroom instead of using community stalls and showers.”
    The suites in Cardinal Newman are composed of two rooms, housing two residents each, with four residents sharing one bathroom. The updated bathroom situation failed to impress all of the newly relocated students.
    “The concept of the shared bathroom is OK, but my other roommates are complete slobs,” said Anthony DeGioia, a freshman physics major. “My bathroom doesn’t have to be immaculately clean, but I don’t want s— all over the floor. However, the bathrooms are not the worst part.”
    Cardinal Newman’s plumbing has proven to be an area of concern.
    “The plumbing here is messed up,” said DeGioia. “There’s a broken pipe somewhere underground, and my sink filled up with brown water. When I had woken up, water was pouring onto my floor.”
    The hall will open for the Fall 2013 semester as a residence hall for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) students.
    “University Housing and the College of Science and Technology plan to offer programming and out of class learning opportunities for resident students with STEM majors assigned to Cardinal Newman,” said Robbins.
    With building updates still in progress, Cardinal Newman is on an upward spiral. For additional information concerning the progress and future of Cardinal Newman, contact University Housing at 985-549-5118.
    “Overall the building is a nice addition for housing supplement to Zachary Taylor,” said Krumm. “The rooms are spectacular, and I can only see this building getting better with time.”
     

    Leave a Comment
    Donate to The Lion's Roar
    $600
    $1000
    Contributed
    Our Goal

    Your donation will support The Lion's Roar student journalists at Southeastern Louisiana University.
    In addition, your contribution will allow us to cover our annual website hosting costs.
    No gift is too small.

    Donate to The Lion's Roar
    $600
    $1000
    Contributed
    Our Goal

    Comments (0)

    Comments and other submissions are encouraged but are subject to The Lion's Roar Comments and Moderation Policy. All views expressed are those of the author and should not be interpreted as the views of The Lion's Roar, the administration, faculty, staff, or students of Southeastern Louisiana University.
    All The Lion's Roar Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *