The Interior Design Studio Class #309 students and their teacher, Dr. Janice Kimmons, are being recognized this month as the Department of the Month for January for their work with the Loper Office Makeover.
When the Staff Senate Professional Development Committee approached Dr. Kimmons about involving the Interior Design Studio Class students in the Loper Office Makeover last semester, she and students accepted the challenge. The interior design students were eager to put their classroom experience to work on the project, and Dr. Kimmons was eager to have others see how talented the students were in developing their ideas and in presenting their ideas to the recipient.
The committee selected the office of Brandon Benitz, a Student Support Services advisor, for the Loper Office Makeover. The office was selected from among eight applications. Once the winning office was selected, the interior design class was divided into four teams, and each team developed a design plan for Benitz's office. The design students met often with the Facilities Department to approve details regarding paint, budget and furniture usage from the surplus inventory. The students also met with Benitz to determine how his office space was used, as well as what his personal tastes were in decorating. Each student team presented their office makeover proposals to the Staff Senate Professional Development Committee and Benitz. The design proposed by Group One was selected. Group One members included Jenny Stahla of Lexington, Andrea Hartman of Weeping Water, and Stephanie Budden and Traci Richardson, both of Kearney.
All the students in the class worked very hard on their presentations and approached the project professionally. The students also volunteered their time and talents to help complete the makeover and be present at the Open House to answer questions. The project was a rewarding experience for the students and benefited the University. Because the project was such a success, there are plans to do another Loper Office Makeover in the future.
Staff Senate recognizes the Department of Family Studies and Interior Design 309 Interior Design Studio Class for their valuable services to UNK and designates them Department of the Month for January.
Thank you to the sponsors of the Department of the Month: UNK Athletic Department and Staff Senate.