MANSFIELD, Pa. – Mansfield University and the Mansfield
Auxiliary Corporation (MAC) commemorated the 10th anniversary of the
first set of suite-style residence halls opening on campus with the dedication
of plaques displayed in all four buildings.
MAC was formed in 2009 as a 501(c)3 charitable corporation
consisting of volunteers from the community to assist MU in the construction of
replacement student housing on the Mansfield campus. Under the MAC Board’s
leadership and guidance, Oak and Hickory Halls opened in January 2012. Sycamore Hall opened in September 2013 and
Spruce Hall opened in January 2014.
The plaques read “Mansfield Auxiliary Corporation, a 501(c)3
corporation empaneled by Mansfield University President Maravene Loeschke to
finance, design, and build new suite-style residence halls. This group of
dedicated community leaders gave countless hours of time throughout two housing
projects over eight years to ensure a quality housing community in support of
the University. Their service was indispensable in achieving the desired goal.
The halls were recognized by being ranked #10 of more than 1,300 on the list of
2022 Best College Dorms in America according to Niche” and list the Board of
Directors: President David Cummings, Brian Barden, Deborah Bastian, Randall
Black, Charles Colby, Bruce Dart, Mark Eby, Fred LaVancher, Lawrence Mansfield,
Robert McConnell, Alan Quimby, Jessica Ricker, and Legal Counsel W. Patrick
Scott, Esq.
“Mansfield’s high-quality
residence halls continue to provide our students with an enjoyable and
comfortable setting that adds value to their on-campus experience,” said Dr.
John M. Ulrich, Mansfield University’s Provost. “I am grateful for the
Mansfield Auxiliary Corporation’s role in developing our housing options at MU
and for their ongoing support of Mansfield’s students.”
The residence halls offer up to five different styles of
furnished living units that include air conditioning, individual bathrooms, micro-fridges,
high-speed internet, one-card secure access, and laundry facilities and study
lounges on each floor. Each building includes at least one kitchen, a game
room, and a multi-purpose recreation area among other amenities.
To help ensure a positive living environment, each hall is
operated by a full-time, live-in professional staff member who is assisted by
student staff members living on each residence hall floor.
Mansfield’s residence halls are regularly regarded as some
of the best in the nation. This past fall, the residence halls were ranked 10th
on Niche’s list of 2022 Best College Dorms in America and were 2nd
in Pennsylvania out of more than 100 colleges and universities listed.
“The most satisfying aspect of the
Niche ranking for MAC members is that these resulted from polling students
themselves,” explained Chuck Colby, President of the MAC Board. “What a complement
to our process of consistently involving student input. While recently touring the
facilities with a group of civil engineers, everyone was astounded at the
excellent condition of the hallways and lounges, especially, adding
credence to studies concluding students take pride in facilities they enjoy.”