Arley D. Cathey Learning Center to become Arley D. Cathey Tropical Oasis
By Catherine Alvarez-McCurdy
Nov. 7, 2012
At a recent press conference, Dean of the College John Boyer announced plans to transform the Arley D. Cathey Learning Center, formerly Harper Reading Room, into the Arley D. Cathey Tropical Oasis. The $17 million that Mr. Cathey generously donated to the College in May of 2012 for the purpose of furthering the “life of the mind” will be spent on this transformation.
A recent visit to the Arley D. Cathey Learning Center indicated that the transformation was already in progress. The heat has been turned up, and students can be seen walking around in flip-flops, tank tops, and the occasional Hawaiian shirt. A third-year student, Elizabeth Hord, seemed amenable to the changes thus far. Sometimes I forget to bring an extra outfit to study in, but its great to have such a warm and nurturing environment to do work. Yeah, chimed in friendand fellow third-year Jeanne Echols, the heat really makes you feel like you could be outside. It makes me think about nature in a good way, compared to the dark, desolate surroundings we have here.
Dean Boyer seemed enlivened by similar feedback received on his Facebook page regarding the change. He recently posted the following status: “The transformation is far from over, students! Ive been doing some online shopping, and have found a site that sells tropical ferns, trees, and flowering plants. Get ready, because the Arley D. Cathey Tropical Oasis is going to be an exhilarating place to spend some quality time with nature!”
In an exclusive interview with Dean Boyers fall Metcalf internfourth-year Chris Locklear, the Shady Dealer discovered exactly what a transformation Dean Boyer is planning. Hes been really humble with the plans hes released so far, said Locklear. Plants are just the first phase. I saw him looking at pictures of toucans, jaguars, and what I think was a sand trap the other day. Hes really excited about the potential keeps going on about the possibilities for the life of the mind to expand in a new environment.
In speaking with students about the possibility of animals roaming through the reading room, it became clear that this was more than they had bargained for. Im all about some nice plants in here, but how am I going to study with birds flying around? asked first-year Jacob Shultz. I didnt ask for any of this!
