The West Virginia University Mountainlair will receive a gold and blue make-over that includes the addition of school colors, logos and colorful imagery throughout the building. The multi-phase project will include visual enhancements to the exterior faade as well as the interior entrance and commons area. The first phase of the work is expected to be completed just in time to greet alumni and visitors during Homecoming weekend (Oct. 20-21).

The exterior of the building will receive a flying WV logo, made from etched concrete, placed into the brick work at the base of the exterior stairs, close to University Avenue. A huge window mural will be placed above the main entrance will become the dominant focal point for the faade. Created out of removable film, the images and themes of the mural will be changed periodically to reflect evolving campus themes.

The two-story staircase area inside the building will feature a gold and blue paint scheme and new signage that includes a flying WV logo etched in glass andWest Virginia Universitylettering above the walkway that leads to the ground floor games area.

The commons area will receive a series of oversize posters along the grand staircase that leads to the second floor. The large banners will feature images of campus life and showcase student and faculty experiences and accomplishments.

The Mountainlair is a gathering place for the entire University community,said WVU President Mike Garrison.The events and ceremonies that take place within the �€~Lair are entertaining and important for all of us, but especially the students. Its important that we create an atmosphere of school spirit and enthusiasm in the �€~Lair for them.

WVU s Student Government Association (SGA) initiated the project, and is working with the Office of the President, Student Affairs, University Advancement and Marketing, and Administration and Finance to create an atmosphere of school pride and to build a more recognizable WVU identity throughout the building.

This project is the result of many requests from the student body to make improvements at the �€~Lair,said David Kirkpatrick, SGA president.We worked with students to identify ideas for changes, presented them to the administration and then worked together to launch the project. This is just the first phase and there will be many more changes coming in the months ahead.

SGA Vice-President Jason Parsons feels that the changes will create a more home-like environment and expand upon the WVU brand.

This is one of our hallmark projects,he said.The Mountainlair is the living room of the campus and students spend a great deal of time there. Its important that the students and alumni feel comfortable and are wrapped in Mountaineer pride and tradition.

There is probably no place on campus more central to University life,said Christine Martin, vice-president WVU University Advancement and Marketing.The �€~Lair is a hub for students and for faculty, staff, community and visitors. Everyone feels some ownership and everyone should feel pride in the placeeveryday. Weve tried to illustrate that pride in everything from the entrance walkway, to the colors of the paint and photographs that will cover the walls.

The Mountainlair has already received several major improvements during the past few months. The final phase of renovations at Hatfieldsincluding new paint, carpet and cherry furnishingswere completed in August. And the recent addition of a national chain sandwich franchise resulted from the request of students.

The changes to Hatfields, the Vandalia Lounge and additional food venues were the beginning of a long-term project to provide better student services,said Michael Ellington, assistant vice-president of Student Affairs.The cooperation between SGA , University Advancement and Marketing, and Student Affairs in facility upgrades, additional technology and communications systems to the structure will continue for a couple of years to come.

All these changes are for the students,said Parsons.Our administration and previous administrations have listened to the feedback from the student body and weve all worked hard to help improve the facilities. I hope that when this project is completed, students will experience a stark change and the �€~Lair will be transformed into something we can all be proud of.