By Cassidy Grom | Echo
The Board of Trustees approved an approximate budget of $225,000 to renovate the Muselman house, according to Ron Sutherland, vice president of business administration.
Before President-Elect Lowell Haines and his wife Sherry Haines move in, there will be substantial changes to the interior of the president's house. Additionally, the white garage across the driveway from the house may be transformed into an art studio.
Sutherland said student tuition and fees will not be impacted by the renovation expenses. Instead, administration received donations and is seeking additional donors to cover much of the cost.
"The university always incurs such expenses when a change in administration occurs and it seeks to cover those changes, as much as possible, outside the budget process," Sutherland said.
Administration may still add projects to the list and Sutherland said they are considering painting the interior of the house, renovating the bathroom, replacing the furniture and installing new carpet.The carpet has not been changed in over a decade.
The garage, which used to function as Jay Kesler's carpentry shop, may become an art studio where Sherry Haines can invite the community to engage in artistic projects.
Some students expressed concern that the $225,000 could be spent differently, but junior Kathyrn Kroeker said, "If they are doing it, they probably have a good reason."
The latest major renovation to occur to the Muselman house was the addition of the Great Room during Gene Habecker's tenure. Sutherland estimates that over 10,000 people visit the house and the great room each year for multiple purposes.
"The Muselman family, after the tragic death of their parents, wanted to give a designated gift to add onto the president's house-the space now called the great room," said Marylou Habecker.
The Habeckers regularly host gatherings for prayer, singing, pick-a-dates, movie nights, sports celebrations and conferences for students. And for the larger community, staff dinners, thank-you breakfasts, Christmas open houses and gift wrapping parties for churches and clubs.
