The Mabee Business Building received new furniture this summer as part of an alumni and donor-sponsored renovation.

Most of the rooms had 15-year-old furniture and facilities since it was built in 1986. The building was in need of a renovation, so the College of Business Administration held an alumni fundraiser to pay for renovations. Generous donations were able to fund new furniture for the atrium and an overhaul to several classrooms.

M.C. Jennings, recruiter for COBA, said the goal of the new furniture was to foster community among students.

The new furniture gives a contemporary look to the previously outdated atrium and doubles the amount of seating available. Interlocking stools can be locked together to form a coffee table, or pulled apart for group seating.

“Now students can get into any configuration they want,” Jennings said.

She was pleased to see that within the first three hours the furniture was there, a Welcome Week mentor group put the stools in a circle and made use of them.

Several classrooms and labs were also remodeled. Half the tiers were removed from a lecture hall to make it more interactive. The tables and chairs now have wheels so they can be maneuvered into different positions. Modern glass whiteboards and big screen televisions were also added to the new interactive classrooms.

Jennings said mobile furniture removes limits on professors who may have different teaching styles.

The walls are painted with stimulating colors, such as lime green and bright orange, which promote learning. Trough lighting, which is brighter and more effective, was also installed.

Many students appreciate the furniture and use it regularly.

“Compared to last year, I’m seeing double the numbers of students in the atrium,” Jennings said.

She and the other administrators at COBA hope students will find the renovations effective for promoting community and stimulating learning.