COLLEGE TACKLES $900K IN SUMMER PROJECTS

OLIVIA FOSTER, TRUMPET EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Replacing all of the windows in Grossman Hall and several windows in the CTC. Leveling out sidewalks to correct tripping hazards. Completing major repairs on boilers and chillers. 

Over the summer, Wartburg College completed $900,000 of maintenance projects to improve the campus. 

Physical plant staff at Wartburg completed some projects, while the more complex projects were completed by outside contractors. 

“Depending on size, scope, cost, and urgency of projects, we either might get it done in-house or go to an outside contractor,” said Vice President for Finance and Administration Richard Seggerman. “Most larger projects get outsourced because it makes more sense money-wise in the long term.” 

Most of $900,000 for projects comes from the operating budget, said ????. Any other funds come out of the president’s reserve fund. The window replacement in Grossman was the costliest project of the summer, adding up to about $600,000, said Scott Sharar, the director of facilities and special projects at Wartburg’s physical plant.  

“The previous windows had been problematic for several years, and it is good to finally have this project completed,” he said. 

The prioritization of summer maintenance projects is based on how essential they are to the functioning of the campus. Projects that could impact health or safety are deemed more urgent than aesthetic or nonessential projects. 

“Something like a broken fire alarm or tripping hazard is going to come before something like a leaking roof,” said Seggerman. “With a leaky roof, other issues could arise, like deteriorating infrastructure and moisture issues. So something like that will be second in line.” 

While the maintenance projects are essential to campus function, administration worries that the updates often go unnoticed by students and staff. 

“A lot of the projects that need to be done are behind the scenes,” said Dean of Students Dan Kittle. “Some of the improvements that students request, while still important, aren’t as high on the list as projects that might be unappreciated. Those are the projects that would cause unpleasantness if they weren’t completed.” 

However, many students take note of changes that are made to campus. 

“The windows were one of the first things I noticed,” said Hanna Wolke, a resident assistant on the second floor of Grossman. “I lived in Grossman last year and when the weather was nice I liked to open my window all the way to get fresh air in my room.”