The Newly Completed Mary And Harold Perper Residence Hall Changes Campus Living At Lynn
Living in a residence hall is an important part of the college experience and nothing can compare to the memories made while sharing a room with others.
At Lynn, innovation and creation is always occurring. For years, the university diligently worked toward a 2020 plan that enhanced the campus in ways that are almost unimaginable. Through this plan, the university aimed to not only strengthen students’ education, but also to improve the quality of campus life for every student.
Due to the support and hard work that was poured into this effort, Lynn was able to complete the Lynn 2020 plan ahead of schedule.
In February of 2016, the university broke ground on a new, loft-style housing facility that would change how Lynn students live on campus. Made possible by a generous gift from Mary Ann and the late Harold Perper, the Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall was created to give students a new sense of community while living on campus.
Fast forward to fall 2017 and the innovative building now houses about 170 upperclassmen. With a mix of both double and single bedrooms, each apartment in the facility is complete with a living room and kitchenette. In the rooms, each student is given a full-sized bed, as well as brand new furniture. The building, complete with a courtyard, lounge and rooftop terrace, is what many are calling a “game-changing residence hall.”
On Sept. 20, the Lynn community gathered in the Perper Residence Hall courtyard for the official dedication and unveiling of the new, modern-styled housing. At the event, President Kevin Ross spoke in front of Mary Ann Perper, Christine E. Lynn and many other distinguished guests. The president spoke about how the Perper family has generously donated to Lynn for many years, saying that their impact on Lynn is a great one.
“It’s an amazing thing when people give to others they do not know. Mary, you and Harold have been doing that for years,” said President Kevin Ross, when addressing the crowd.
Among the others to speak at the dedication was graduate student Rikki Soumpholphakdy, a resident assistant in the building. Designated for upperclassmen, the new residence hall is home to several graduate students.
“The addition of this beautiful new and innovative residence hall has allowed myself and other graduate students the opportunity to continue living the campus lifestyle, to continue to feel a connection to the Lynn community,” said Soumpholphakdy. “It allows us to fully participate and enjoy the full college experience.”
With stylish furnishings, modern amenities and common areas to better connect students, dormitory life at Lynn is truly undergoing a revolution. However, it is not the only new addition to campus. In fact, construction on another building is currently underway.
A project that was first announced in 2015, the Christine E. Lynn University Center will stand at the heart of the Lynn campus, serving as a center that will house all student needs and essentials. Made possible by Mrs. Lynn’s $15 million gift, the largest in the university’s history, the university center is currently underway, creating a place that combines social and learning spaces.
As the campus continues to grow each year, it is clear that Lynn is thankful for the donations from Mary Ann and late Harold Perper, Christine E. Lynn and many other distinguished donors. Without their service and gifts, these significant additions to campus would not be possible.
In the words of President Ross, these donors, board members and supporters “truly make Lynn University an incredible place to live, work and learn.”
