ALONG THE WALK Changes at Vernon Social CORNELIA PARSONS ’80 CENTER IN THE WORKS Recent visitors to campus may have noticed behind the stage is being remodeled as a Project Manager Patty Healey said that a buzz of construction at Vernon Social, hybrid space for meetings, workshops, and two existing entrances on Vernon Street will which soon will transform into the Cornelia classes, where students and presenters can continue to be the main building entrances. Parsons ’80 Center—or the Cornelia Center participate in person or remotely. “The Sol LeWitt work is obviously awesome, for short. The building will be the new home Catrino had numerous conversations and it’s not going anywhere,” she said of the of the Career and Life Design Center, formerly with students during summer and fall 2020 vibrant, multicolored, two-sided wall drawing the Center for Student Success and Career about how the space could best serve them. by the world-renowned artist. Completion of Development, and is anticipated to become a Input was sought rfom groups including renovations is anticipated before the start hub of student-centered activity. the Student Government Association (SGA) of the spring 2022 semester and possibly The Cornelia Center will be among the ifrst and Multicultural Affairs Council (MAC), as as soon as December 2021, said Healey, buildings on campus named for a woman, in well as through an online survey, to which “depending on availability of construction honor of Cornelia Parsons Thornburgh ’80, nearly 250 students responded. “We really materials, which has been a challenge who served for 17 years on the Trinity College want to ensure students will feel comfortable nationally, post-pandemic.” Board of Trustees—including since 2014 as its in the space to hold their own programming Added Catrino, “We expect the new center ifrst female board chair—until retiring rfom and to collaborate with us on our programs,” to be a great hangout space for students and the board in June. Catrino said. a place where they can collaborate. We’re Executive Director of Career and Life Along with 14 oiffces for staff, SGA looking forward to hosting all kinds of career Design Joe Catrino said his team—the will have an oiffce space. A variety of and life design events there, and we’ll be sure Career and Life Design Center, the Oiffce student interests and organizations will be to have alumni coming in otfen, too.” of International Students and Scholars, accommodated by an open lfoor plan, said and Retention Strategy and Transition Catrino, who noted that some details are Programs—is excited about relocating rfom still being determined. “Our welcome desk, For more on Thornburgh, O the Admissions building. Previously, the which will be staffed by students, will have please see page 36. team otfen used Vernon Social for events, sight lines to all entrances so that everyone CAIT with the stage a perfect backdrop for panel will always be welcomed into the space,” CK discussions with employers and alumni. The said Catrino. NI : O renovated building will continue to host T PHO these and other events. In addition, an area FALL 2021 11