Nazareth begins major summer renovation on library to enhance student experience

VIDEO LINK BELOW: President Paul takes the ceremonial "first swing" at renovation work with a purple and gold sledgehammer on May 5

Rochester, NY (05/05/2023) — 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.

VO/SOT of the Nazareth College Library renovation kickoff event this morning with President Paul

SOT with President Paul begins at 2:44

SOT with Naz student Morgan Ladue at 4:11