Site near former Tamarack Hall becomes an outdoor hub
So many aspects of higher education are made possible through the generosity of donors, from scholarships to academic buildings. Philanthropic donations make a big difference when it comes to enhancing campus life and showing students the importance of giving back to the community.
At Indiana University Northwest, annually thousands of dollars are graciously donated to directly support student scholarships. But beyond financial aid, the campus also sets aside funds to make the campus a better place to study, hang out, and enjoy the day.
Wide open outdoor spaces are just one way to make campus a little more inviting. Not only is getting outdoors good for mental health, but green areas are also excellent for meeting up with friends and promoting togetherness.
What’s more, well-kept outdoor spaces reflect our campus pride and make current and prospective students feel at home.
This summer, IU Northwest has done just that—putting philanthropy in action—by beautifying the campus through the Tamarack Green Project. This project reimagined the space on the westside of the Moraine Student Center to turn it into a place where students, faculty, and visitors can gather.
Relax, recharge and reconnect
On the nearby grounds of the old Tamarack Hall, landscapers have brought the project to fruition. All can now enjoy a granite-paved central courtyard, movable tables and chairs, a fire pit, and soon, artwork. In addition, an ADA ramp has been installed to improve campus accessibility.
In total, the renovated space measures about 7,200 square feet.
Students are already getting excited about the new green space. Student Government Association President Ammaar Mohammed said he’s glad to have a new space where students can get together. “I hope the new space will allow students to relax and feel more comfortable on campus,” he said. “It has been a common request for more areas that students can use to kick back and wind down, and I believe this will be a perfect space to accomplish just that.”
The new and improved Tamarack Green certainly has the potential to be the perfect space Mohammed envisions. But the project would not be possible without the 600+ gifts and nearly 300 donors who provided support along the way. Their gifts ranged from $5 through $50,000, and every penny helped.
Thanks to these donations and the hard work of the Office of University Advancement and External Affairs, current and future students will enjoy a beautiful space to relax.
Jeri Pat Gabbert, vice chancellor for University Advancement and External Affairs, is grateful for all of the support that led to the inception of the Tamarack Green Project.
"As a result of the generosity of many supporters of the IU Northwest campus—alumni, donors, faculty, staff and students—our campus was able to invest in this campus beautification project," she said. "This new green space will be an amazing tribute to our campus’s first building, Tamarack Hall, as it will serve as a place for all to relax, recharge and reconnect for years to come."
From Tamarack Hall to the Tamarack Green, this project demonstrates the university’s commitment to the future, while honoring its past.
The campus should anticipate a celebration of the space when the campus comes to life during the academic year.
