Thursday was moving day at Point University in West Point.
The main academic building of the college, formerly known as Atlanta Christian College in East Point, will open for students on Aug. 22.
Staff will begin work in the building on Monday after two semi trucks delivered office contents from East Point on Thursday morning.
“Monday, we will have a prayer service here and an informal dedication before we start work,” said Dean Collins, president of the university. “I would say we are 95 percent done with the building.”
Collins led members of West Point City Council, along with other groups, through the building Thursday afternoon as final construction projects were going on. The building, on 10th Street, is sentimental in West Point because it was the former home of WestPoint Stevens’ corporate offices. Carolyn Ryner, who now is the secretary across the street at First Presbyterian Church, worked in the building for many years as a receptionist and in accounts payable.
“It’s mind boggling,” she said. “It’s gorgeous.”
Collins said he’s enjoyed hearing stories from former employees – every one of whom has wanted to see what’s been done to “their part” of the building.
Material from the Lanett, Ala., mill even was used in the reception desk as a tribute to the building’s history.
The old mill offices now are updated with the latest in technology for the expected 500 college students coming to the city. Even the library will have more computers than books. Flat-screen televisions lining walls will update students on activities.
Classrooms and common areas were placed deliberately near professors’ offices so that the teachers can hold informal group sessions with students.
“Faculty and student interaction is what private education is all about,” Collins said. “The systems that have been put in place over the years have made that difficult to do. We’re trying to change that environment.”
Collins said he hopes prospective students will be inspired by the student-faculty interaction.
“When they see that, it will be easy to see the spirit of the place,” he said.
Post a Comment
