Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830
September 7, 2011 Cheryl Reitan | Interim director | UMD Public Relations and Marketing | 218 726-8996 | creitan@d.umn.edu
UMD Names Residence Hall in Honor of Former Chancellor Ianni
On Friday, September 16, 2011, at 11:30 a.m., a dedication ceremony naming the new student residence, Ianni Hall, will take place. The ceremony will honor Chancellor Emeritus Lawrence A. Ianni, who will also speak at the event. Ianni will be joined by his wife Mary Ellen. The public is welcome to attend the ceremony located at 506 Niagara Court.
Ianni served as the seventh chancellor at the University of Minnesota Duluth from 1987-1995. He came to Duluth after 12 years at San Francisco State University, where he served for nine years as provost and vice president for academic affairs. He earned his bachelor's degree in English education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, his master's and doctorate degrees in English from Case-Western Reserve University.
In making the transition from teaching and scholarship to administrative work, Ianni said, "I moved to a different kind of teaching, since the role of a university administrator is to persuade the university community—and the public which it serves—of the need for the highest quality in education and committing the resources to achieve it."
His academic interests are English and American Language and literature. His publications range across a variety of topics including the relationship between science and literature, the structure and psychology of language, and collective bargaining in university settings. Ianni has written a trilogy and several novels since retiring from UMD.
Ianni Hall Highlights
Special features include a fireplace and seating area, along with a mailroom in the lobby; a walk out basement toward Vermilion Hall that allows access to the indoor laundry, study lounge, and bike storage room. "The indoor bike storage room with the convenient same-floor access is a nice amenity that should almost eliminate residents from having to carry their bikes through living areas and elevators to reach indoor secure storage space," said John Kessler, project management division of facilities management.
Putting Ianni Hall to Use
The building will also offer two small-group study rooms and conference rooms with digital technology to cater to the needs of those coming to UMD. Additional study lounges are on each of the seven floors with an all-glass panel wall. The windows offer views of Chester Bowl and Lake Superior, and the upper floor lounges have especially scenic views. Communal bathrooms are located on each floor.
Lobbying for Change
Ianni Hall has a main entrance and lobby similar to that of Lake Superior Hall. "It's exciting because now residents won't have to go to the LSH lobby, because they'll have their own," said student Susie Lindemann. "I also think it's great that there's a place where all residents can come together."
Building Sustainable Dorms
Like recent buildings, Ianni Hall is entering the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification process to continue UMD's sustainability efforts. To receive this certification, the building has included energy efficient opening windows and substantial insulation. Power usage is displayed on meters throughout the building, teaching students about energy and conservation.
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