Numerous beautification projects completed on the Penn State DuBois campus

DuBOIS, Pa. - Throughout the 2023-24 academic year, numerous campus improvement and beautification projects were completed at Penn State DuBois. Some of the projects include a digital display sign, a campus clock and new seating in Hiller Auditorium.

During the beginning of the academic year, the campus saw the installation of a digital display sign along state route 255, East DuBois Avenue, which runs alongside the campus. One of the main travel corridors in the city of DuBois, the digital sign is now seen by numerous passersby each day. The sign is used to highlight campus events, athletic contests, academic programs and many other campus related activities. The sign was purchased and installed using funding from a private donor, meaning no campus budgets were impacted.

"The digital sign is another great way in which our campus is reaching out to the campus community to engage with them directly," said Jungwoo Ryoo, chancellor and chief academic officer. "Raising awareness of our campus and the events that we are hosting is always important for the long-term success of Penn State DuBois. The digital sign is like our pulse and is very successful in grabbing your eye as you travel by the campus."

The springtime saw another addition to the campus with the installation of a raised clock outside of the lower entrance of the PAW Center. Similar in design to clocks that can be found on other Penn State campuses, the clock at Penn State DuBois was given as a gift to the campus by the students. The idea of a clock for the campus was presented to the student body by student leadership and was voted upon by the student facility fee committee, which is comprised of students who are entrusted to make decisions on how student activity fee money is spent. Once approved, the clock and installation were purchased using budget within the student activities fee. Therefore, no campus budget money was used for this project.

"Our students had a goal to leave something impactful that will last forever on our campus," said Rebecca Pennington, director of student affairs. "I believe they have done just that with this clock. It has quickly become a point of pride for our campus and is an outstanding landmark as well."

Another highly anticipated campus improvement project was completed during the summer with renovations to Hiller Auditorium. The renovation project included removal and replacement of flooring and chairs throughout the entire room. The project also included several improvements to help with handicap accessibility in the space, including several open areas where wheelchair seating is now available.

The entire campus has also seen several beautification projects finished throughout the academic year. Through the tireless efforts of the building operations staff, many grounds improvement projects were completed. This past year, many sections of landscaping receiving a refresh or replacement, which greatly improved the visual appeal of the campus. Cleaning and painting of the entrance signage was also done, which adds another welcoming level when students and visitors arrive on campus. These are just a few examples of the many beautification projects that were completed throughout the previous year.

"Penn State DuBois really is a gem in our part of Pennsylvania, in more ways than one, " said Ryoo. "Both inside and outside of the classroom, our campus is a shining light of what Penn State stands for and what a beautiful commonwealth campus looks like. Everyone connected to Penn State DuBois can be proud of what this campus is achieving and how the campus looks to those who visit."