The Contact Center held an open house for students, faculty, and the community to see the new facility on 44 N. Howell St. across from the County Court.
On Oct. 22, about 60 people visited the event throughout the afternoon, according to Contact Center director Mary Margaret Spiteri.
“The open house was for faculty, staff, students, and locals to come see the new location and get excited about Hillsdale College having a presence downtown,” Spiteri said.
Contact Center training coordinator Charles Holbrook said working downtown helps bring the campus and community together by “supporting students and local businesses.”
“The local businesses are already serving more students, and the students are exploring more local businesses,” Holbrook said.
According to account manager Elizabeth Turner, the Contact Center relocated because it was outgrowing Kendall Hall, where the center was originally located.
“The college is ever expanding its outreach efforts and the Contact Center has had to expand to meet the service needs of the college,” Turner said. “The new location fits all of the staff and students perfectly now.”
Turner said some perks of the new location include windows, more space, and access to downtown.
“One of the best perks of the new location is having windows. That was definitely something we were missing in Kendall,” she said. “We have also really loved that we can go to local coffee shops and restaurants since everything is so close now.”
This relocation has also created additional space in Kendall Hall for professors and faculty, according to Holbrook.
“Hillsdale College is expanding its services to all of its constituents and students,” Holbrook said. “In order to increase office space for faculty, they are building new offices in the old contact center in Kendall Hall.”
Sophomore Charles Miggins said he enjoys working for the Contact Center and loves the new location.
“The new location brings a different perspective and makes the Contact Center more special,” Miggins said. “I love going to work because I am going off campus, and it’s a nice break from the campus chaos. I highly recommend working there because you gain great problem-solving and computer skills.”