Program relocation creates new central-campus synergy on the lake

Several campuswide diversity and international programs are relocating operations in the Armory and Gymnasium (Red Gym), creating a new level of academic and student synergy in the historic Langdon Street building.

The Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives, Posse, International Academic Programs and the LGBT Campus Center will join other student-focused involvement agencies now housed in the iconic former armory next door to Memorial Union. Already operating in the building are the Morgridge Center for Public Service on the first floor, the Multicultural Student Center and International Student Services on the second floor, and the Center for Leadership and Involvement (CFLI), which has moved to the third floor. The Undergraduate Research Scholars program has also moved to the facility’s third floor.

“This move will benefit all students as well as those directly involved with the programs that are relocating,” says Damon Williams, vice provost for diversity and climate. “This co-location provides options to create better awareness of student-based involvement for everyone on campus. It builds a stronger collaborative dynamic among programs and deepens divisional partnerships that will lead to new initiatives around leadership development and intergroup relations.”

The most recent configuration was made possible when admissions offices moved to University Square at 720 W. Johnson St., Suite 1101, and the campus Welcome Center and Information Services programs moved to the newly opened Union South.

“Every year we get closer to maximizing the location and space this historic building provides,” says Lori Berquam, dean of students. “This latest configuration makes the Red Gym a hot zone for students who want to dig in and get involved in their personal growth, leadership, campus activities and outreach.

”I am thrilled,” Berquam adds. “The services and programs housed in the Red Gym are now more accessible to the entire student body, faculty, staff, alumni and community. Whether you’re coming from Lakeshore or the Southeast residence halls or an apartment across town, this area is the heart of the UW–Madison campus. Even visitors arriving by commercial bus will be right at the door. “

Appreciation of diversity, both conceptually and in practice, occurs with exposure to people who are different from themselves, Williams says.

“This is a tremendous new place for exploring every facet of diversity,” Williams says. “We’re reducing interaction barriers and celebrating just how much this campus reflects the real world.”