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Randolph celebrates completion of Wright Hall renovation with ribbon cutting

Cutting the ribbon, from left, are: Matha Thornton, vice president for student affairs and dean of students; Sandeep Poudyal '16, Student Government president and head resident of Wright Hall; Susan Braselton Fant '84; Lester "Ruff" Fant; and President Bradley W. Bateman.

Cutting the ribbon, from left, are: Matha Thornton, vice president for student affairs and dean of students; Sandeep Poudyal ’16, Student Government president and head resident of Wright Hall; Susan Braselton Fant ’84; Lester “Ruff” Fant; and President Bradley W. Bateman.

A dedication ceremony Thursday officially marked the completion of a months-long renovation project for one of Randolph College’s historic residence halls. The renovation of the 107-year-old Wright Hall was made possible through generous alumnae gifts.

The event Thursday featured a reception, tours and a ribbon cutting.

During the renovation, which took nearly a year, Wright Hall received major interior upgrades, including the installation of a new HVAC system, an elevator, new furniture, new laundry rooms, and remodeled restrooms. The College designed the renovation to be environmentally friendly and has applied for to the U.S. Green Building Council for LEED Silver Certification.

The major renovation project was focused on preserving the historic charm of the building while providing the modern upgrades and enhancements that are necessary to today’s students. The building’s beautiful hardwood floors were refinished, and the central, open staircase remains. The rooms still feature high ceilings and large closets, but a modern touch is seen in other aspects of the design and furnishings.

Guests enter Wright Hall for tours and a dedication ceremony following completed renovations.

Guests enter Wright Hall for tours and a dedication ceremony following completed renovations.

“Before we closed it down for renovation, Wright Hall was already considered by many as the top place to live on campus, and if it wasn’t before, it certainly would be now,” Randolph President Bradley W. Bateman told those gathered. “I want to thank everyone who was involved in every way. Whether it was in planning, in the architectural and design work, whether it was in interior decoration or the physical labor, or if it was in making this possible financially, this is an important step for the College, so I thank all of you.”

The College recognized Vita Abundantior Society members Susan Braselton Fant ’84 and her husband, Lester “Ruff” Fant, for their financial and other support throughout the project. Fant is an emerita trustee as well as a long-time supporter of the College. In addition to many other gifts, she has established a scholarship fund in honor of her parents and regularly supports the Annual Fund.

Also recognized for their support of the renovation were Emerita Trustee Betty Nichols Street ’66 and her husband, David Street, who serves on the College’s Board of Trustees. In addition to their involvement in the Wright Hall renovation, the Streets have been generous contributors to the Annual Fund, and, along with Alice Hilseweck Ball ’61, helped endow the Ball-Street Scholars Fund.

Guests toured rooms in Wright Hall during the dedication ceremony Thursday evening.

Guests toured rooms in Wright Hall during the dedication ceremony Thursday evening.

Sandeep Poudyal ’16, Student Government president and head resident for Wright Hall, also spoke during the ceremony, expressing his gratitude to all involved with the project on behalf of the Randolph College student body and the 69 residents of Wright Hall.

“Renovations and capital improvements have a great impact on the student experience. Students feel more comfortable, and this comfort helps them to thrive,” he said. “Randolph has a beautiful campus. I fell in love with it the first time I set foot on it, and I know that’s the case of many other students. With renovations like these, it’s safe to say that the campus is becoming more and more beautiful.”

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