This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Local Voices

WALSH COLLEGE TRUSTEES APPROVE $15 MILLION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO ENHANCE BUSINESS STUDENT LEARNING EXPERIENCES

The Walsh College Board of Trustees has formally approved a $15 million improvement to the College’s original campus building on Livernois Road, enhancing business student learning experiences and strengthening their success potential in the global marketplace.

The project will include a two-story, 27,000 square-foot renovation and addition to Walsh’s original campus building, built in the 1970s, and a 28,000 square-foot renovation to existing interior spaces. The addition will encompass distinct pavilions with a business-communication focused student success center, a student lounge, and a “one-stop” student services center.

Construction is expected to take 18 months with an anticipated starting date in late summer 2014.  A combination of investment and capital funds and financing supports the project’s funding, as well as philanthropic giving from alumni and other friends.  Donor-naming opportunities for the project are available. 

Find out what's happening in Troywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The modern, fresh façade will reflect Walsh’s premier bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate business programs.  Stone, metal panel, and brick will be used to express permanence and create continuity with the College’s last addition, the 37,000 square-foot Jeffrey W. Barry Center, completed in 2007.   

“This initiative underscores Walsh College’s long-term commitment to the growth and vibrancy that we see in southeast Michigan and Troy,” said Stephanie Bergeron, president and CEO.  “The improvements represent our high-quality educational programs, meet the needs of today’s students, and put a contemporary face on the Walsh College business brand.”

Find out what's happening in Troywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The technologically advanced student success center underscores Walsh’s response to employers and students demanding more focus on the development of business-communication skills critical to leadership roles.

It will allow students to practice and record presentations in various digital and electronic formats, provide work stations and presentation areas, simulate leading workplace environments, and offer video conferencing capabilities.

A student lounge will have a modern, interactive meeting space ideal for collaboration and additional study areas. The student services center will house departments ranging from admissions to career counseling.  It will provide efficient, “one stop” service and increased privacy for students meeting with Walsh advisors.                                                                     Walsh’s student body now totals 4,200, nearly evenly divided between men and women.  More than 91 percent attend part-time.  About 83 percent of the College’s 26,000 alumni live in Michigan. 

Walsh intends to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification on the new project.  The Barry Center is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certified.  The goal of LEED is to make sure building performance meets the environmental needs of the community and the building itself, maintaining a more eco-friendly design.

Other recent building renovations at Walsh College’s Troy campus have included the Blackstone LaunchPad in 2010, a Barnes and Noble bookstore in 2012, and a Finance Lab in 2013.         

The architect for the latest improvement project is Valerio Dewalt Train Associates (VDTA), which also designed the Barry Center.

For more information, go to www.walshcollege.edu/TroyRenovation.

WALSH COLLEGE
Founded in 1922, Walsh College is a private, not for profit institution offering upper-division undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees and certificate programs.  One of southeast Michigan’s largest business schools, Walsh has locations in Troy, Novi, Clinton Township, and Port Huron, as well as online. Walsh’s business services division offers the Walsh Institute, which provides solutions for businesses through training, continuing education, and consulting.

Walsh is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org; phone: 312-263-0456) and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE, www.iacbe.org). The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP, www.acbsp.org) accredits specific degree programs.                              

CONTACTS:
Brenda Meller/Assistant Vice President, Walsh College bmeller@walshcollege.edu or 248.823.1205.


Alicia Boltach/Account Supervisor, Airfoil Public Relations boltach@airfoilgroup.com or 248.304.1453.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?