The boiler which services the Hurley and Smith Buildings, Magale Library, Mickle Hall of Science, and Brown Memorial Chapel is offline and will be replaced in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, there will be no heat in these buildings during this time. The Centenary community is coming together to meet this challenge, so stay tuned to this page for updates and information.
To the Centenary Family,Dewey did not beat Truman and All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth was rising on the music charts. Dr. Joe J. Mickle was president of Centenary College, and work began on a new science building that would later bear his name. In that year, 1948, the College also installed a boiler that we now depend on for heating Hurley, Magale, Brown Chapel, Mickle, and Smith. 63 years later, I am sorry to say, that boiler is dead. That boiler was next on our list for replacement as part of Centenary Renewal. We had already solicited bids for work next summer when we could anticipate minimal disruption for the long installation process. But it beat us to the punch...and what a punch it will pack. With a cold front settling in and finals on their way, I can’t imagine a worse time for this to happen. Our facilities staff have been working hard to effect even temporary repairs, but to no avail. The boiler must be replaced, and we have expedited the process. Unfortunately, even an expedited process means these buildings will be without heat until at least January 1st. Much will depend on the weather, but it is clearly a very dynamic situation, and we are working hard at finding creative and fun ways to make the best of it. My main concern during this time is for the students, faculty, and staff members using the affected buildings from now through the holiday break. There's no doubt that this will be difficult on some of the cold days ahead, but let’s put our imaginations to work and quickly create responses that meet the needs of those most affected, especially our students preparing for finals, writing papers and finishing up projects. Here are the first steps toward finding workable solutions:
Dr. Melva Williams is coordinating a campus-wide response. She – and all of us working to minimize the disruption this will cause – will need to evaluate these efforts and others throughout each day and make changes accordingly. We will adapt as needed. We also covet your ideas. In order to meet your needs, we need your help in getting clear on what your needs are. There are two primary ways I’d ask you to offer suggestions and potential solutions throughout this week and next.
I appreciate the work of so many on the boiler itself as well as those who have begun working on our response and contingency plans. You'll be hearing from them with additional information in the coming hours and days.There will also be updated information posted on our website, our Facebook page and our Twitter page. I also appreciate you, your patience, creativity and the solidarity I know you will exhibit as the campus weathers, literally, the Big Chill of 2011. Take Care, David Rowe |
Contact InformationMelva Turner-Williams, Ph.D.
Study SpacesHere is a list of study places in case you get a little cool in Magale or Mickle. Please be reminded that Magale will be open until 2 am tonight and the rest of the week. The SUB 2910 Whited Room Dorms Cafeteria & Centenary Room
Space Heater GuidelinesBefore you plug in that space heater, check out these safety tips! PLEASE:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with the use of space heaters, causing more than 300 deaths. If you are unsure about using a space heater or an electrical breaker trips, please contact Facilities immediately at 318.869.5286. |
