FDU has made a tremendous commitment to the enhancement of its educational and recreational facilities on its campuses. "The condition of the University's physical facilities and the appearance of the campuses figure prominently in the educational and social experience of FDU," said President Frank Mertz. "With this in mind, constant efforts are being made to improve the quality of the University's property and structures."

The biggest projects in the last few years have included the renovation of Dickinson Hall, the former facility for the University's dental school at the Teaneck-Hackensack Campus; the construction of the Roberta Chiaviello Ferguson and Thomas G. Ferguson Recreation Center at the Florham-Madison Campus; and the imminent construction of a new academic building, also at Florham-Madison.

A vital step in the University's transition to two campuses was the resurgence of Dickinson Hall as a state-of-the-art facility. A $12-million renovation enabled Dickinson Hall to reopen in the fall of 1994. This 170,000-square-foot facility includes the 430-seat Wilson Auditorium; new classrooms; computer, nursing skills and science laboratories; continuing education facilities; a cafe; and faculty and staff offices to support the academic programs located therein. And, the facility will soon feature a new communications laboratory.

The Ferguson Recreation Center, opened in the fall of 1995 and constructed at a cost of $9 million, is an 82,000-square-foot complex that includes three full-size basketball courts; a suspended three-lane jogging track; weight training, aerobic and dance facilities; an eight-lane swimming pool; and two racquetball courts.

Clockwise from above, students enjoy a newly remodeled dorm room, the refurbished University Court Residence Hall complex, and an artist's rendering of the planned academic building on the Florham-Madison Campus. The building's design is consistent with the campus's existing facilities.

Construction is about to begin on a new academic building on the Florham-Madison Campus and is slated for completion in January 1998. The 37,500-square-foot facility will include 20 new classrooms, an animal laboratory to support the psychology program, faculty offices and several seminar and conference rooms. Complementing the academic features of the building will be well-equipped dining and lounge facilities. The building design, like that of the Ferguson Recreation Center, is consistent with the Georgian-style architecture that distinguishes the campus's existing facilities. The cost of demolishing the old gym and constructing the facility is $5.5 million. It will be named in honor of alumni Martin Stadler, MBA'74 (R), Patrick Zenner MBA'75 (R), and Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc.

In response to the two top priorities established by the Campus Councils, improved exterior lighting and the addition and enhancement of campus signs were provided.

At Teaneck-Hackensack, the University Court Residence Hall complex was refurbished and now houses more than 150 students in completely remodeled, air-conditioned living areas, with access to cable television and common gathering areas. It also includes extensively landscaped grounds providing common areas. In addition, a number of upgrades have been made at the Linden Court Residence Halls and new entrances that will enhance security are being added.

Also at Teaneck-Hackensack, the restaurant located in the lower level of Alumni Hall was completely refurbished to provide the increasing number of commuter students, faculty and staff with an alternative and attractive dining facility. Known as "Jeepers," this restaurant has been a popular site on campus and this year offers a new menu and food-court configuration.

In addition, a new entrance from the north parking lot was formed, complete with a new walkway, an attractive sign and plantings. A portion of this area was cleared by the removal of the psychology research building, formerly located near Robison Hall. Elsewhere, the University bookstore is being relocated to Alumni Hall, the commuter lounge there is being refurbished, and the Office of Career Services will have new quarters in the Student Union Building. The Student Union Building also will feature a fitness room.

At Florham-Madison, building improvements include the enhancement of the science facilities, specifically the renovation of the organic chemistry laboratory, four classrooms, a lecture hall and the physics laboratory. The refurbishment of the Student Center includes a new game room, pub and food facility. The new food-service vendor, Gourmet Dining Services, is assisting in the renovation of the Raingarden, has helped enhance the food facility in the Mansion known as Snax and has opened a full-service dining facility with a pizza oven and grill.

The formal fountain garden behind the Mansion has been restored to its original glory and named in memory of former trustee William Clowney.

Also, various improvements to the Mansion, designed to preserve its rich architectural flavor, have ranged from a new copper roof to building-shell repairs. The formal fountain gardens behind the Mansion have been restored to their original glory and named the Clowney Gardens in honor of former trustee William Clowney. And, significant enhancements were made to the Twombly Hall Residence Halls, including the refurbishments of bedrooms, the Learning Center and Twombly Lounge.

Other facilities projects have included the renovation of areas to accommodate the expansion of the Regional Center for College Students with Learning Disabilities, the Florham-Madison component of the Peter Sammartino School of Education, and the Language Institute of English.

Efforts to reduce the vehicular traffic on the Teaneck-Hackensack Campus have provided a pedestrian-friendly environment.

Two projects serve students on both New Jersey campuses. As part of a $1.1-million technological upgrade that includes new phone services and voice mail, high-speed data connections enable students in the residence halls to plug into the University's main computer labs. Students can access programs at the computer labs, send e-mail and surf the Internet and the World Wide Web from their dorm rooms.

Also, a new, state-of-the-art instructional television (ITV) room is on line this fall for distance learning on the Teaneck-Hackensack Campus and a similar room is planned for the Florham-Madison Campus. The ITV facilities can customize instruction for corporate applications and have exciting potential for courses in international business. Because of fiber-optic technology, both of FDU's New Jersey campuses can access this capability.