By Hannah Mohr, BA ’24
As students enjoyed their summer break, exciting changes were underway at the University of Dallas. University staff and workers dedicated their time to revamping several community spaces across campus, as well as completing major renovation projects begun the previous year. These student-centered beautification projects express the university’s commitment to maintain its traditional atmosphere while adding fresh improvements and reflecting the flourishing souls that fill the space.
“A major focus of this summer's renovations was to create more spaces for students, faculty and staff to live and work in community together,” said Benjamin Gibbs, EdD, MBA ’17 BA ’15 Executive Director of Facilities and Capital Projects, who served as a project manager working closely with the university’s construction partners to bring the vision of UDallas leaders and donors to life.
“Community is always a point of focus, and whether it is the church lawn, a residence hall lounge, the Dumb Ox, or something else, these are all spaces for folks to gather together in community,” Gibbs added “We have some beautiful and inviting spaces that can host moments of friendship, study, prayer, and beyond.”
Church Lawn
Returning students will surely notice the renovations on the lawn outside the Church of the Incarnation. A stone amphitheater set on fresh turf now encircles the church lawn, providing a space for students to gather, review a book of the Iliad before class, or bring their prayer into the sunshine. No doubt this will also become a new beloved spot for professors to hold lectures outside and the space will continue welcoming families to mingle after Sunday Mass.
“It’s encouraging to see the campus being renewed, especially with projects like the
landscaping around the chapel,” said National Alumni Board member Gregory Pimentel, BA ‘15. “As an alumnus who regularly worships there, it’s meaningful to see the
physical heart of campus treated with such care. It makes me hopeful about the future
of the university’s mission.”
While some trees and underbrush in the grove were cleared to allow more sunlight to shine through, care was taken to ensure that many trees remained to offer a spot for hammocking and shade. New lighting installations throughout the amphitheater provide a pleasant ambiance by keeping the space warmly lit at night. With an added elevation to the lawn, stairs were included for easy accessibility to the higher levels of the seating space.
Stonework was laid to create a newly designed patio outside the church. The patio fittingly features the triquetra seal of the university incorporated in the mosaic design, which symbolizes the Holy Trinity and is a central representation of UDallas’ commitment to its Catholic tradition.
“These kinds of projects aren’t just cosmetic,” noted Pimentel. “They are necessary investments that signal growth and confidence in what UD stands for.”
The stones removed from the previous patio were repurposed for the new terrace area adjacent to the mall, which is yet another campus addition that provides an extended social space for students. In an intentional effort to match the stonework and landscape to other areas of the university, this new terrace includes native foliage and stone retaining walls that are already featured throughout campus.
“Personally, I appreciate the mid-century and Texan character of UD’s architecture. It ties the university to a particular time and place,” said Pimentel. “Preserving and enhancing that identity gives students both a more beautiful environment and a stronger sense of belonging.”
The second phase of the church grounds project is also underway, which includes rock landscaping into the previously wooded area beside the church.
The Dumb Ox
The unveiling of the Dumb Ox is planned for the beginning of the fall semester and will welcome students to gather in its pub-style atmosphere. Formerly known as the Rathskeller, its new namesake holds special importance to the UDallas community as it fondly refers to the beloved St.Thomas Aquinas. Featuring a stage area and an integrated speaker system, it offers an improved space for live music, lectures and student events.
Enhancing the dining experience, new pub-style tables and chairs replace the old dining
area seating. Couches remain centered around the fireplace for cozy fireside reading
and conversation. Students can order from the bar, which is relocated to a central
spot in the room and offers draft from a custom Dumb Ox tap.
“The improvements to the Rat were much needed,” said Pimentel, “and it’s great to see the investment. Alumni will always have affection for the old Rathskeller and the memories attached to ‘the Rat,’ but I think everyone welcomes the refreshed space.”
Other improvements to the space include refurbished booths, flooring and windows. New wall treatments and light fixtures complement the Dumb Ox signage and the embossed ceiling adds warmth and character to the environment.
Additional Community Life Improvements
The campus beautification projects extend into the students’ living spaces as well. Following the previous renovations of Clark Hall and Theresa Hall, Gregory Hall is now welcoming new freshmen with its transformed lounge area. Its new flooring pairs with custom wallpaper featuring some of UDallas’ favorites: the Groundhog, the Crusader and the Rome landscape. Aspiring chefs are met with new dishware and kitchen appliances, including a dishwasher and pizza oven. The lounge space is furnished with newly added couches, window blinds and a TV. With its new ping-pong table and custom paddles to match, the Greg lounge provides a space for students to hold friendly ping-pong tournaments and remains a hub for the dorm community.
The outside patio also shared in the Gregory Hall renovations, sporting new outdoor furniture, benches and an electric grill. With plans to provide shade to the patio, this space will no doubt become a favorite gathering place as the cooler weather approaches.
The renovations this summer not only aimed to enhance UDallas’ vibrant student life, but also considered spaces for the faculty and staff. In Braniff, the faculty kitchens on the first, third and basement levels were renovated with new cabinets, appliances and plumbing. Replacing the kitchen lighting added a finishing touch and created an inviting atmosphere for faculty to prepare meals and take a break from their lectures.
In the Gorman Lecture Center, the faculty kitchen was completely remodeled. It now features new tiles, cabinets, counters, appliances – everything but the kitchen floor, one might say. The Gorman faculty lounge is ready for university staff to enjoy the new furniture and wall finishes that bring a renewed sense of warmth and comfort to the space. Patio door improvements and energy-efficient lights were also installed, bringing the Gorman lounge project to completion.
Meanwhile, more fundamental upgrades took place. “It might only be exciting for me,” said Gibbs, “but some of the summer improvement projects included upgrades to oft-underappreciated campus infrastructure, including some HVAC work in Gorman, drainage work around the church, and masonry in Haggar. These aren't the most exciting components of projects, but they provide a lift from a facilities services standpoint.”
Other ongoing projects across campus were finalized this summer as well. Returning students remember the remodeling of the Cap Bar area and the addition of Frassati’s, which occupies the previous location of the Bookstore and University of Dallas Police Department. Already, this transformed space has been adopted as a favorite for students to enjoy grab-and-go food options and study in the window seating area. This summer, the Frassati’s project reached official completion with new signage to welcome new and returning students.
Following the previous renovations in Gorman Lecture Center classrooms A, B and C, this summer the classrooms D and E followed suit. The original wooden Socratic desks were preserved and carefully refurbished and a new lighting installation finished out the Gorman classroom project.
The Maher Athletic Center gymnasium project also came to completion. In addition to the seats installed last summer, new lighting was recently implemented to offer a cheerier atmosphere for students to support their fellow classmates. With its new maplewood flooring featuring the UD monogram, the gym is primed and ready for this season’s home games and more.
“The physical environment shapes campus culture in subtle but profound ways,” Pimentel noted. “An education aimed at truth, goodness and beauty also requires the formation of the senses and beautification supports that mission.”
“I feel a sense of pride anytime we beautify our campus,” said Gibbs. “As a double UD alumnus and longtime employee, I think it is important that we work toward a built environment that matches the excellence of our academic and spiritual programs.”
