The 2024 senior class gift will be a glass conservatory, the Legacy Board announced on Jan. 19.
The structure will serve as a year round study and social space, surrounded at all angles by greenery.
“It is a gift that is timeless and timely,” said Braden VanDyke ’21, associate director of alumni relations. “A place to ponder the good, learn about the truth, and enjoy the beautiful. It’s a space that brings education to life, in a way. Timely in that campus has never needed such a space more than it does now.”
The class of 2024 gathered in the Searle Center Friday for the unveiling of the Conservatory, where students will be able to study indoors surrounded by plants between the Mary Proctor Randall Preschool and the Howard Music Hall.
“As a gift, it’s nice to see something that will be tangible and you can look back on,” senior Chris Dick said.
The college has raised more than $12,000 of the $50,000 needed for the project, according to VanDyke. He said the college would not begin construction on the project until it secures enough funding.
“We hope to engage the senior class and specific partnerships with the senior class to see this project begin over the next few years,” VanDyke said. “I am unsure of how long it would take to erect the building once construction begins, but cannot imagine it being more than a six month process.”
College President Larry Arnn delivered remarks at the ceremony and said the plans are impressive considering modern construction costs. He said the Conservatory would help the college in its plans to beautify the campus.
VanDyke said he imagines the Conservatory will be able to hold a dozen or so students.
“The size and footprint of the Conservatory will depend on how much is fundraised for it,” he said. “Obviously, the more that is raised, the larger and more developed the building might be.”
Senior Legacy Board member Caleb Holm said the Conservatory will serve as a place to further cultivate friendship and community, which is significant for the class of 2024 members.
“When we arrived on campus our freshmen year, we were still seeing the effects of covid policies and the serious harm they did to our communities,” he said. “Hillsdale was a safe haven where we were able to preserve the close-knit community that makes life so beautiful.”
With the quad under construction for the next few years, VanDyke said the Hillsdale community is in need of more developed green spaces.
“The Conservatory will offer a place of year round respite from the elements,” he said.
Senior Hannah Allen said the Conservatory will be great for Hillsdale students.
“Green spaces have been known to boost mental health and mood,” she said. “The greenhouse in the Strosacker science building has been a popular study spot on campus, so setting aside a space like this will be a great addition to campus.”
Holm said this was an arduous process for the Legacy Board, but he is happy with the gift they chose.
