Across the Marietta College campus, signs proclaim “Progress is messy.” Indeed, dumpsters, sawdust, backhoes, and construction tape are familiar sights this summer as the College invests more than $2.6 million in improvements across campus, starting from the ground level and going to the roof.
The changes impact classrooms, athletic venues, the library, the planetarium, the recreation center, and outdoor space. Each upgrade contributes to the campus setting in a way that is true to Marietta College’s focus on the student experience and the College’s commitment to being a resource for the community and region.
“Marietta College has been a center for cultural, educational, and community spirit for nearly 200 years and our story is still being told,” Interim President Kathleen Dougherty said. “These projects are an investment in progress, in our future, and in the future of our students.”
All of the improvements are funded by generous donors, who believe deeply in the mission of the College and are committed to a thriving future for students, the College, and the community.
“The commitment and support of Marietta College alumni and friends is truly inspiring,” President Dougherty said. “These investments are possible because donors have stepped forward to create a lasting legacy and we are grateful for their continued devotion to the College’s mission.”
Starting at ground level: Marietta Field gets turf
One of the most visible campus upgrades is currently underway at Marietta Field, across Greene Street from the Williamstown Bridge. Earthmoving equipment has dirt piled high in preparation for installing an artificial surface for the softball field, the bullpens and the activity space surrounding them. With a price tag of approximately $1 million, this project elevates the softball facility by providing protection from weather damage that can result in delayed or cancelled games and lost practice time. Athletic Director Larry Hiser explained that more time on the field supports player development.
“Repetition leads to improvement,” Hiser said. “When you can play a little bit more, you can play a little bit better.” It is a point of pride in Pioneer athletics. Rather than maintaining the same level throughout their time as a Pioneer, “the players get better at Marietta,” he explained.
Like other College facilities, the softball field improvements benefit more than just Pioneer athletes. The NCAA Division III softball regional tournament was hosted on the field two years ago, bringing visiting schools, and tourists, to the Mid-Ohio Valley. And families from Marietta and the surrounding area have an opportunity each year to enjoy Softball Community Day when the field not only hosts the Pioneers’ softball game but provides a real-time learning lab for the sport management students who organize and conduct the event that attracts more than 1,000 local fans each year.
The surface is only phase one of a three phase plan which will add lights, new bleachers and a press box in future phases. Progress of the current project can be followed on Livestream at https://boxcast.tv/channel/wyxq4vcdjy2pmjkudfpv.
First floor, going up: Classroom buildings get upgrades
Along Fourth Street, dumpsters and caution cones indicate something is happening in the Rickey Science Center. The two original wings of the Center—the Bartlett biology building and the Selby chemistry building--were built in the early 1960s and after more than 60 years of use the original floors were worn and damaged. Parts of that original tile installation contained asbestos, requiring abatement before replacing the cracked and broken tile with even and unblemished flooring. The project began in June, with a cost of approximately $500,000.
Nearby, in the Physician Assistant building at Third and Butler, another $20,000 project replaced floors in the main classroom.
Additionally, a separate $20,000 project modified and replaced vent hoods in science labs in Rickey Science Center, resulting in a safer environment in which to conduct science experiments and exercises.
Resourceful coordination allowed activities to continue in certain parts of the buildings while the summer projects were underway. Earlier in the summer, students funded by an Intel ASCENT grant conducted projects related to semiconductor study and Investigative Studies students worked on research projects alongside faculty members. In July, the 23rd Rickey Summer Science Institute welcomed 20 high school teachers from Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Tennessee, and North Carolina to learn how to incorporate new teaching approaches into their high school classrooms in relation video analysis for physics teaching.
Old building gets a new shine: Fenton Court refinished
Construction began to bloom on campus in early June when Fenton Court was completely refinished at a cost of almost $40,000. The facility, originally built about three-quarters of a century ago as Ban Johnson Fieldhouse, was renovated and became part of the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center in 2002. The court was last refurbished more than 12 years ago. Since that time the floor’s finish had ambered and the center court logo had become outdated. Taking the court down to the bare wood revealed the lighter color of the surface. With the application of improved non-yellowing finish, the floor should remain bright for a decade or more, according to Hiser.
“The change in the floor brightens the entire facility,” Hiser said. Center court now proudly proclaims this floor is the home of the Pioneers. However, this College facility is also a community resource, used not only for Marietta College sports, but for sport camps, tournaments, and events throughout the year. The lighter, brighter, atmosphere and improved surface adds to the experience for athletes, and for fans.
Going to the rooftops: buildings receive functional improvements
In 2009 the Anderson-Hancock Planetarium was dedicated as part of the Rickey Science Center. This summer, a $40,000 project addressed HVAC needs and roof work on the planetarium. In addition to being a learning center for physics, planetary science, and other Marietta College students, the Planetarium is a local resource, offering regular shows open to the community. A field trip to the Planetarium is a favorite destination for the many young students who visit each year.
According to physical plant director Randy Hesson, another project will begin in early fall to upgrade the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center cooling tower at a price tag of about $40,000. DBRC, as it is commonly called, is used extensively by the community for events from camps to conferences to commencements and on any given day a visitor is likely to find community members walking laps around the indoor track or playing pickleball in the all-purpose room.
Bringing it all together: strengthening the heartbeat of campus
Legacy Library stands at the heart of the campus, where a $1 million project is currently underway to transform the first floor into a vibrant heartbeat for student success -- the Milone Center for Academic and Career Success. The project brings together student services from across campus into a central location so students have one destination where they can find the support they need to succeed in school and beyond. Caring professionals, along with trained peers, will offer coaching in study skills, communication skills, writing skills, problem-solving, resume preparation and interviewing skills, to name a few of the supports that will come together in the new Center. Including specialized spaces for interviewing, workshops and a central information desk, this crown jewel of learning support is expected to be completed in September.
A place to gather: to feel the power of community
At its very core, Marietta College is a place rooted in human connection. A place where generations of students have grown through experience and service and have made lifelong friendships outside of classroom walls. It is a place that becomes home. Through the generosity of former students, current students and visitors to campus can gather in a beautiful courtyard seating area located between Thomas Hall and Erwin to connect, reflect and be inspired. Chi Omega Court was established in 2023 to honor Chi Omega Chi Gamma chapter’s 100th anniversary at Marietta College. This summer, a large stamped concrete courtyard, displaying the Marietta athletic logo, and a soon to be installed plaque pays tribute to the enduring bonds of Marietta College students.
Messy is temporary: investment is lasting
In total, more than $2.6 million has been invested toward projects on campus that have been completed, are underway, or are expected to start within the next few months. Although the construction process may be messy, it is only a temporary condition. The long-term benefits gained from the investments being made today contribute to progress, to growth and to longevity.