University of Miami - Ibis Yearbook (Coral Gables, FL)

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PeafSffn College Redone A sign proclaiming Welcome to Pearson Residential College! greets students as they approach the en- trance to the newest addition to the University of Miami ' s Residential College system. For returning stu- dents as well as incoming freshmen, this was bound to be a new experi- ence. The first thing residents notice is Pearson Hall ' s color is no longer aqua, but grey. This is just the tip of the iceberg, however. Entering the lobby of the building, residents and visitors may wonder if they are in Pearson Hall or the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Gone are the dirty beige walls covered with graffiti. They have been replaced with artwork on the walls, new paint and red brick-like tiles. The lobby is well-lit and cheer- fully decorated with new furniture and potted plants. But that ' s not all! Along with the new decor came a new atmosphere. The transformation was neither painless nor occurred overnight. In the spring of 1987, construction crews worked from seven in the morning until early evening, chang- ing the residents ' lives and sched- ules. Residents had to go to trailers located outside the building for any services they required. For those who endured the incon- veniences, it was well worth it. The changes in the lobby were further enhanced by a new study lounge, computer room, five multi-purpose classrooms and faculty residences. The renovation did not stop on the first floor. Student rooms were re- created. Gone is the antiquated fur- niture and in its place are new teak- finished furnishings. Fresh coats of paint compliment the new furniture in the rooms and in the halls. Stu- dents living in Pearson are living in comfort. Along with the physical changes, life in the dorm underwent a trans- formation. Living in Pearson is now a privilege. Students who lived in Pearson Hall had to apply to live in Pearson Residential College was recon- structed from tt e bottom up. Photos by Matt Nelson Pearson 27

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The Mahoney Pearson Complex got a new front this year. 26 Pearson

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R student walks along Pearson ' s redone back entrance. 28 Pearson