For many former and current students it's the sense of community that defines their time at Walla Walla University (WWU). Here, small classes, friendly people and a full schedule of academic, social and spiritual programs are all part of a memorable collegiate experience.
Jodi Witzel, senior education major and a resident assistant director in the women's residence hall, says that the relationships she has formed have had a positive effect on her experience in school. "Whenever I'm away, I always look forward to coming back to campus to be with my friends — they've become more like a family," she says.
Recent renovations are enhancing campus life for residence hall students — 39 percent of WWU's 1,831 students. Improvements include:
Sittner Hall: Several bathrooms in the men's residence hall have been renovated and more will be updated next summer. Also, new washers and dryers are installed in laundry rooms and are free to residents.
Foreman Hall: The lobby and laundry rooms in the women's residence hall have been renovated, and the new washers and dryers are free to residents.
Campus Dining Services: Serving stations, which feature all-vegetarian food, have increased from six to nine to accommodate additional healthy meal options, including a soup and wrap bar, an international cuisine station, and a vegan/alternative station.
To improve pedestrian safety and visibility, cars can no longer park on College Avenue, which passes through the main campus. This change and future landscape enhancements are part of an overall physical campus master plan.
And in November 2011, the Association of Students of Walla Walla University opened The Atlas, a new student center where students can study, connect and worship together.
"We have been working diligently to make these improvements," says Ken Rogers, vice president for student life. "Our goal is to provide residence hall students with a setting where they can flourish in all aspects of their university experience."
Additional food stations are giving students, including Kai Kopitzke and Summer Thresher, more menu options at the campus cafeteria. (Ricky Barbosa)
