News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 1/21/05   Click on image for publication quality photo  SETTLED IN AT SOUTHEASTERN – Southeastern Louisiana University student Mollie Kendrick of St. Francisville studies in her bedroom in a private room suite in one of the university’s new residences.  SOUTHEASTERN STUDENTS ENTHUSIASTICALLY GREET NEW RESIDENCES       HAMMOND – “This is what I have been waiting for,” said Aime Anderson.       Southeastern’s director of residential services stood by as a pair of students got their first look at their new campus “home” – a double occupancy suite in one of four new residences that have risen with amazing speed on the northern end of campus.        Anderson watched with a smile as freshmen Jessica Thomas of Ponchatoula and Rachel Williams of Mt. Hermon buzzed excitedly around their new room, exclaiming over features such as cleverly-designed bed-storage units; an abundance of electrical, Internet and cable outlets; desks, armoires, and chairs; and a separate bath.       “This makes it all worthwhile,” Anderson said.       The opening of the new residences completes the first phase of a $55 million dollar project to replace old dormitories with new up-to-date facilities. Phase II, four more new residences with 789 beds – 30 percent private, 70 percent double -- will open in August along with a separate building housing Residential Services offices and University Police.       The 718 beds in the four new buildings are all occupied. The weekend before classes began on Jan. 18, the walkways and halls of the new four-story structures were crowded with students trundling or toting their belongings. Enthusiasm was everywhere as students enthused over their new digs.       The new residences are not the “dorms” that many Southeastern alumni will remember. They provide the technology-rich environment, space, privacy, and security that today’s students want.       “It's always about size of the bedrooms first,” said Doug Brown, the president of Capstone Management, who was in town for the check-in. “Students want outlets, private bathrooms, close parking. We’re building a community here. That’s what living on campus is all about.”       Southeastern began revitalizing its housing program in 1999, when the university opened the first of two new facilities on its north campus. Southeastern Oaks, an apartment-style facility with 312 beds, was followed a year later by the Village, a residential facility for university-based organizations, including sororities and fraternities. Both projects were developed by Capstone Development Corporation of Birmingham, Ala., which is also handling the financing, renovation, demolition and construction of the new residences.       Currently, only one older residence hall, Taylor Hall, is still occupied. Lee Hall, where many of the students previously lived, is scheduled to be demolished this semester. Cardinal Newman Hall on the south edge of campus is closed for renovation.       For more information about the new residences, visit www.selu.edu/liveoncampus or call 985-549-2118.