Major summer renovation on library to enhance student experience
Nazareth began construction on a major library renovation that was co-designed by students to enhance their overall campus experience. President Beth Paul ceremonially started the renovation work at the Lorette Wilmot Library on Friday, May 5, with a ceremonial first swing of a purple and gold sledgehammer. Nazareth is expanding Millie's Cafe inside the library atrium — an already highly valued study spot in the heart of campus — to create an updated gathering space with more seating and expanded menu offerings.
Millie’s was created thanks to a donation from former Nazareth employee Kay Marshman in honor of her mother, Mildred Marshman. Millie’s current location, which seats 26, is nearly always full of students studying. Once renovation is complete this fall, Millie’s will seat 100 people across 4,500 square feet and offer new menu options from Naz Dining.
“We often speak about changemaking at Nazareth,” said President Beth Paul. “There’s no doubt that this project — and the people who will make it happen from our facilities, library, and Naz Dining teams — will create change. The enhanced studying and dining right at the library will bring more students together for learning and connecting.”
During the spring semester, students gave their input on multiple facets of Millie’s, from menu design to furniture selection. Naz Dining employees were stationed inside the library during President Paul’s kickoff to renovation work. They offered samples of some potential new fall menu items such as smoothies and baked goods and invited students’ feedback.
While Millie’s is expanding, the project will maintain the integrity and original history of the library by working within the current footprint. The project will consolidate library public services into one information desk.
The construction is scheduled to conclude in August 2023, before the fall semester begins.
For More Information
Julie Long | Senior News & PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
