Becca Morrison

Guest Writer

Calvin Theological Seminary expects bigger enrollment in upcoming years due to current construction to expand.

``Enrollment this year is 274 students. Within two years, we're estimating to have roughly 500 students,'' Jim Oosterhouse, Director of Plants Operations at the seminary, said.

The three major improvements at the seminary include a new student union facility on the northeast side of the campus, a boardroom, and a large presidential suite on the south side.

The student union facility will be for students' use. They will be able to study, take advantage of the coffee bar, enjoy the game room, or simply relax. Oosterhouse described it as a possible ``family room.'' The Dean of Students office, the housing office, and the recruitment office will be located there, as well as a small preaching chapel.

For several years, the faculty room has served as the meeting place for the Board. Now a boardroom is being added onto the faculty room to create an official meeting area. An adjoining terrace looking out over President Byker's house is also in progress.

The presidential suite is being erected to better accommodate the President and new position of Vice President of Administration. Their secretaries will also be relocated to the suite.

Other changes are also in progress to better serve the students. The whole seminary is getting new windows. Two elevators are being installed for handicapped students. The computer room is being expanded to include a distance education program. The driveway is being expanded. More women's bathrooms are being added in response to the growing percentage of women enrolled at the seminary.

When the Seminary opened in the fifties, there were no women enrolled. Today, 23 percent of the student population are women.

The seminary pond has also been drained for the construction.

``Draining the sem pond is not permanent. We are hoping to install pipes to minimize the silt buildup in the future,'' Arie Leder, a building committee member and Professor of Old Testament, said.

Lastly, a new power ring has been established. The Seminary used to rely on Calvin College's power supply. Now they are independent.

The construction has been in full swing since June 2001 and is scheduled to be completed by June 2002. The seminary students reportedly have great attitudes about the temporary inconvenience and look forward to their future benefits. Construction workers, as well as staff, say everything is on schedule.