Case Western Reserve University - Lux / Differential Yearbook (Cleveland, OH)

Page 16 text:

THWING CENTER Thwing Center (pronounced twing), lo- cated in the center of the Case Western Reserve campus, became, with its renova- tion in 1980, the center for staff and stu- dent extra-curricular life on the CWRU cam- pus. Thwing was named after Charlie Thwing, a former president of the university, whose exceptional dedication to fulfilling the needs and concerns of his students inspired this honor. His picture hangs on the wall be- tween meeting rooms B and C. The center is a conglomeration of three distinct structures: At the left of the center is Hitchcock Hall, built in 1897 as a private residence; on the right is Thwing Hall, built in 1913 as amen’s club. In the center is an L-shaped addition connecting the two ag- ing but servicable buildings. The original cost of the addition, along with its furnish- ings, was $3.5 million. Architect of the renovations was Don M. Hisaka. He not only designed the modern- styled connecting addition, but also re- worked the interiors of Hitchcock and Thwing Halls. 12 |Introduction B aber crate ae eet Gl weer penne em

Page 15 text:

eg Introduction 11

Page 17 text:

HUDSON BrLAys (NPR 29 - M REL ro We TYNISH BY TG Rove sie : em CHAU creer i gerergus and tieaty support te nee Fo ste Case Raster Reaervs University Y 1Of SOR Pun MANTVEMENIS Be id K we ranetit students cme Wnt aoe, The connecting structure houses a two- story atrium at the front, and a split-level bookstore in the back. The structure incor- porates both modern and aged architec- ture, producing a pluralism which is unique. Prominently displayed in front of the book- store is a large neon “CWRU” sign, con- ceived by President Emeritus Louis A. Toepfer, who was head of the university while the renovations were taking place. The renovation of Thwing Center took place because the leaders of the University felt it was important to have a centralized facility for use by the university population. The center is meant to serve the entire uni- versity, including staff as well as students. Its purpose is to facilitate some of the as- pects of university life not found in the classroom. For example, staff and students use the center to relax, socialize, play video games, eat, and hold meetings. In 1984, approximately 50,052 people used Thwing for extra-curricular activities — a total of 648 different groups participating in 1410 events. These events ranged from group and club meetings to weddings and band parties. The center must generate approximately $105,000 per year in order to operate. The Thwing staff does this by holding spe- cial sales (for example, there are plant and poster sales annually), candy sales, room rentals, video games, and other means. Thwing Center follows a long tradition of university student and staff centers. Such centers were previously called ‘‘unions’’, because their purpose was to bring togeth- er the members of their schools. The first of these unions were in Oxford and Cambridge Universities. They were created in the late 19th century. Just as Thwing Center does today, they provided a gathering place for students and staff to get together, relax, and converse. THWING CENTER — the building; the myth; the legend. Place where great, nay monumental minds meet and espouse monumental thoughts. Structure of monu- mental consequence upon the course of hu- man events. Center of the known Universe. I've never been there. Have you? Pete Fabish Introduction 13