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

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

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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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Pearson Residential College. Many factors determined whether resi- dents could remain. Pearson Hall ' s staff wanted to create a warmer en- vironment for the students. This task was facilitated through the Residential College System. Pearson Residential College brings students and faculty together in an academic as well as social at- mosphere. Dr. James Thompson Biggers, Pearson ' s first residential Master, his family and the families of his four Associate Masters reside in Pearson. Students are always wel- come to visit with the masters to talk, play with the masters ' pets or ust say hi! According to David Leonard, the residence coordinator for Pearson, the live-in masters give students a better sense of belonging which produces a more positive en- vironment for the students and makes Pearson an enjoyable place to live. Along with the live-in masters, Pearson has 60 faculty Fellows. Each professor or administrator is grouped with 12 students. The pur- pose of the increased student facul- ty interaction is to help break some of the barriers that exist between students and faculty. Programming at Pearson has been fortified to further ensure a better quality of life than had pre- viously been experienced. During the past year, activities have ranged from study skills seminars and tuto- rial programs to trips to Metrozoo with the Faculty Fellows. One high- light of the first semester at Pearson was a panel discussion about the October 19 stock market crash, with the University treasurer and busi- ness professors serving on the pan- el. Other events included a pre-sea- son basketball report by Coach Bill Foster. Along with these programs were midnight bowling, a trip to the John Deering Estate as well as nu- merous study breaks. Through the process of becoming the newest Residential College, Pearson Hall underwent many facial and attitudinal changes. The brighter settings along with the mentorship program of faculty in- teraction has led to a better place for the students to live. Water fountains are no longer ripped out of graffiti- covered walls. Since the change, de- struction and vandalism has de- creased by over 50 percent. Leonard believes the new atmosphere has led to a more cohesive, interacting student body who are more respect- ful of others than ever before. It is hard to believe the run-down dorm called Pearson Hall became the flourishing environment called Pear- son Residential College in such a short span of time. Text By: Scott E. Modlin John Stoltenborg studies in his room on the third floor of Pearson. Rhona Wise Pearson 29