Georgia Southern Presented with University System of Georgia Award

December 3, 2009

The award, considered the top honor for University facility design and planning, is voted on by a team made up of facility leadership from the 35 University System of Georgia member institutions. Georgia Southern is only the seventh University to win the award since it was established. Georgia Southern University has been presented with the 2009 University System of Georgia’s 2009 Regents Facilities Award for Excellence recognizing the campus’ long-term commitment to campus design and master planning. Specifically, the award honors the University’s pedestrium, a beautiful walkway that serves as the main artery through campus.

‘This award celebrates the accomplishments in facilities design and planning among the 35 University System of Georgia institutions,” said Linda Daniels, vice chancellor for facilities for the University System of Georgia. ‘Georgia Southern’s campus not only establishes and reinforces a since of place, but also has a legacy of extraordinary green spaces.”

The Pedestrium at Georgia Southern is used by thousands of faculty, staff and students each day. Connecting the entire campus, the unique tree-lined walkway includes a gazebo, classic brick pavers and beautiful green space. The walkway connects the Student Union and the University’s newest residence hall, Centennial Place, with the historic district of campus which includes Sweetheart Circle. The Pedestrium stretches further passing the University’s beautiful lakes, the recently expanded and renovated Zach S. Henderson Library and ends in the more modern section of campus that includes the state’s first College of Information Technology, the Nursing/Chemistry Building and the College of Education.

During the special presentation, Daniels also recognized Bruce Grube, president of Georgia Southern University, for his personal role and leadership in making the campus one of the most beautiful in the state and country. ‘Dr. Grube has played an important role in the beauty and development of this campus and the changes that have occurred here are just remarkable.”

‘The beautiful Pedestrium would not have been possible without the leadership, creativity and planning of our facilities team,” said Grube. ‘I have been so fortunate to have a fabulous team of people that not only dream up the designs, but get it done. This award recognizes the hard work of the teams of people who make this campus one of the most beautiful in the country.”

Daniel recognized Ron Dennis, director of physical plant, Bryan Hooks, landscape services manager and Chuck Taylor, campus landscape architect and planner for their contributions to the campus’ design and beauty. ‘Georgia Southern’s facilities team not only has helped make this one of the most beautiful campuses, but also shared their expertise with other University System of Georgia institutions. Today, Georgia Southern’s campus stands as an inspiration of design. With its historical buildings and beautiful grounds, the campus represents design for the future while preserving the historical beauty of this special place.”

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers 115 degree programs serving 19,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.