Interviews

Watch a video of the ground- breaking ceremony...

An interview with Clark Provost David Angel...

An interview with project architect Steven Foote.

An interview with University Librarian Gwen Arthur...

June Progress Report

Construction work on the new Academic Commons at Goddard Library began after the end of classes and exams in May. The initial work focuses on demolition and removal of concrete floors, walls, and interior construction necessary to prepare for the enclosure of the new plaza level and upgrade of building systems. The summer is a very intensive period for the project as this is the only time when the Goddard Library will be completely closed to staff, faculty and students.

Mission Possible: Clark breaks ground for new Academic Commons

On Friday, May 2, President John Bassett, Provost David Angel, Vice President of University Advancement Andy McGadney, University Trustees and members of the Clark community gathered at the entrance of Goddard Library for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Academic Commons at Goddard Library.

Although overcast, the rain stayed at bay while cheerful spring tulips nodded their heads in approval as President Bassett and other dignitaries—all donning Clark-red hardhats—dug their shovels into the rich soil, which will soon become the foundation for a new era of intellectual exploration.

“This is an exciting advancement for Clark,” said Trustee Ross Gillman ’81, chair of the Environmental Committee. He thanked Peter Klein ’64, who was instrumental in advancing the Academic Commons project, for “his efforts and vision.” Klein, who could not attend, is a former trustee and past chair of the Environmental Committee.

Project Overview

The Academic Commons project will
reshape the Goddard Library into a cutting-
edge facility for research, teaching and
learning in the 21st century—a library developed with a forward vision worthy of its namesake.

The $15 million project, which includes a complete renovation, redesign of existing space and addition of 11,000 square feet achieved by enclosing of the plaza level, will position the Goddard Library as a hub of intellectual exploration.

Flexible group study spaces, technology-rich workstations and multi-media areas in the Academic Commons support the new role of the university library as not only a resource repository, but a place that inspires and nurtures collaboration and partnership between and among students and faculty.

These kinds of research spaces are critical to Clark's commitment to an educational experience in which students learn through inquiry, pursuing hands-on research to seek solutions to real-world problems.

The project will also re-orient the Goddard Library to the center of campus, with a new, impressive entrance from the campus green.

The Academic Commons at Goddard Library will be the new home for Clark's remarkable community of learners, supporting faculty and students in their search for new knowledge and reclaiming the Goddard Library's rightful place as the beacon of knowledge at the heart of campus.

The Academic Commons at Goddard Library is of paramount importance to the future success of Clark University in the next decade and beyond. The Academic Commons project is vital to supporting the University's ability to:

• Enroll ever more talented students who are seeking a rigorous and relevant liberal arts education in a research university context.
• Promote the success of high achieving students in Clark's academic programs.
• Structure its curriculum around inquiry-based teaching involving a proliferation of projects and faculty-student research and creative activity.
• Raise its research profile.

But the impact of Academic Commons goes beyond Clark University. With access to a cutting-edge library facility that meets their research, teaching and learning needs, talented undergraduate and graduate students and the best scholar-teachers will be better able to address critical issues facing communities locally and globally.

The Academic Commons at Goddard Library will help students and faculty challenge conventional wisdom to solve real-world problems and, in turn, change our world for the better.

This transformation of the Goddard Library has inspired a $1 million gift from the William and Jane Mosakowski Family Foundation. This gift will be used to support collections in the library to meet the immediate research needs of faculty and students.

In addition, an anonymous source has offered a generous $1 million challenge gift, matching dollar for dollar every gift made by individuals to the Academic Commons project between Jan. 15 and Dec. 31, 2008.

To make a gift to the Academic Commons and help Clark meet this challenge, contact Andy McGadney, vice president for University Advancement, at 508-793-7512.