Seniors vote to restore reading room
Aviva Shen
Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: News
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Other options suggested by students were a Global Community Scholarship, solar panels at the Hillcrest Environmental Center, landscaping the Axinn Center, a community service fund and a donation to the alumni fund. With 500 seniors voting on an online ballot, restoring the Reading Room won with 160 votes, followed closely by the Global Community Scholarship with 137 votes.
The process of deciding the final six gift ideas was complicated. Gifts needed to be feasible in terms of funds and logistics. In addition, the gift could not cost the College any additional money to maintain it in the future. Ideas that did not meet the necessary criteria had to be axed. After substantial deliberation and many meetings, the ballot was prepared, and the majority of the votes went to the Reading Room restoration.
The project includes restoring and refurbishing the early 20th century finishes on the coffered vault, grand fireplaces, dark woodwork and stenciled walls. The space will serve the College as a reading room and an atmospheric setting for smaller scale events.
According to Senior Committee co-chair Sarah Carnabuci '08, this gift reflects "a desire among committee members, and I'm sure many students, to have something physical and tangible that our class could be remembered by."
Remembering the past appears to be the theme of this particular gift. While the Class of 2008 never actually saw Starr Library in use during their time here, they appreciate the building's history.
"The Class of 2008 has been the first in 108 years to not see Starr Library in use, and will likely be the last for another century," said Senior Committee co-chair Philip Picotte '08. "It's important that seniors recognize the importance past Middlebury graduates affix to Starr Library, and how our Senior Class Gift supports restoration and future preservation of the College's architectural heritage."
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