A smart friend suggested that I call these updates, “Lincoln BLogs.” Just wish I would have thought of it first. Thank goodness for smart and creative people.

It seems that some haven’t gotten the humorous and lighthearted way I’ve used the Lincoln BLogs. It’s just one was for us to inform, educate, and have some fun at the same time. Yet I hope my sense of humor hasn’t in any way diminshed the leadership, vision and initiative of nearly 5 years of student input and direction. The HUB is being renovated because of them and we thank them every day for their vision of transforming the campus culture.

I really appreciate all who are reading these updates. I’ve found it to be quite a treat. So stay tuned for more updates in coming days.

Remember – the HUB closes in 5 months! Yikes.

Without the leadership, insight and support of ASUW, GPSS, SAFC, RHSA, SAB, IFC, PC, AC, FCASA, and LAC, the HUB Project would not be where it is. (Honor, Glory & Diet Coke goeth to those who can correctly identify each one!) It’s the vision of students and the support of faculty and staff that we’re trying to accomplish. Well, it’s time to add one more acronym to this list: HUB R.A.T.S.

The term, HUB Rat, has been used for generations as a term of endearment for those who spend a majority of their out-of-classroom time in the student union (the HUB at U-Dub). When I arrived here 14 years ago, I didn’t really get it, but I’ve come to embrace it because of its use by former and current students.

That title has now been expanded to include a team of dedicated, passionate, engaging, and enterprising students who have formed for the sole purpose of spreading the gospel of the HUB Renovation. HUB R.A.T.S = HUB Renovation Advertised to Students.

This group of students will help us keep the U-Dub community informed and aware of the many and varied aspects of the project like closure timelines, transition to Condon, design features, new programs & services, and celebrations. The HUB RATS have lots of information at their disposal and they know who to reach out to when they’re confronted with questions to which they might not know the answer.

We’re thrilled that these students are spreading their leadership-wings. And I’m yet again so proud of our students.

Facebook – a verb, a noun, or a phenomenon taking over the world? It took several years, but some of my students finally convinced me to move from the Luddite-generation to the Facebook-generation. I avoided it at first because I just couldn’t understand who would be interested in my favorite quotes, musicals, or TV shows.

Now I wonder what the heck I was thinking b/c FB is fab-u-lous! I simply cannot imagine NOT having it in my life. It has become the perfect tool for staying in touch w/ former HUB/U-Dub student leaders, high school friends (8 & O will never die! Yes, it’s the year of our 30th reunion) and professional colleagues.

It has even become the perfect vehicle (no, not a golf cart…yet) for keeping the U-Dub community apprised of all things related to the HUB renovation, our forthcoming closure in July, transition plans, and upcoming events (Feb. 9th: “It’s the End of the HUB As We Know It” Resource Fair).

So I surrendered to it and so should you. Be hip. Be cool. Be informed. Join our Facebook group: Husky Union Building – The HUB at UW.

A huge bravo to all who are volunteering with the UW/MLK Day of Service on Monday. Go Huskies!

Dear Santa, now that the holidaze have come and gone and since you must have more time on your hands, I want to remind you about one item that you might have overlooked. It’s a completely selfless request, I promise; but not the “peace and love’ kind.

We really need that golf cart! It will be very useful when we relocate to Condon Hall for 2+ years. Our work will entail a whole lot of traversing from Condon to the HUB construction site and the golf cart will most certainly increase our efficiency and responsiveness to students, student organizations, student governments, construction supervisors, student leaders, and campus event coordinators. Besides, it would be so cool and fun. But remember, this isn’t for me. I’ll share it…I promise.

How exciting would it be to use the golf cart to carry ASUW and GPSS student leaders from Condon to the HUB to show them progress on the construction project? And we could use the golf cart to meet up with other students because they probably won’t have the tendency or time to walk all the way to meet with HUB staff and advisers.

We could paint it purple and gold and use the “W” logo in strategic places. In fact, our golf cart would actually enhance campus spirit. Combine all of that with drivers wearing purple hard hats. It’s fashion-forward! I’m certain that students would erupt in the singing of “Bow Down to Washington” as we drive through Red Square.

If your quota is already distributed, we’ll definitely consider a Segway! Thanks, Santa. Happy New Year!

It’s not what you think! It stands for HUB Renovation Advertisements to Students. This group of students will help get the word out to other students and student groups about the HUB Renovation Plans and the transition to Condon Hall until the new HUB opens in 2012.

If you would like to volunteer please apply here!

Happy Christmas & Merry Holidays! I’m especially excited about this holiday weekend because of the “Home for the Holidays” reunion for ASUW Board members & GPSS Officers. The student leaders from 1996 to current were invited (the years that Rene & I have worked together with them!) and it looks like nearly 35 are coming. It’s a splendid opportunity for Rene and me to reconnect with our students. We’re constantly proud of them and what they’re doing with their lives. And we can’t wait to get current updates.

Our colleagues in the Student Life Office of Advancement came up with the idea and the holidays seem a perfect time to do this because so many are returning to the NW to see parents & families. Nicely done, George & Jennifer.

Okay, we get to brag about the HUB Renovation as well. In fact, some of the leaders that had the grand and initial concept and advocated the potential transformation for future students will be there, so we get to honor their vision! See you in January.

One & All, let’s declare a collective YeeHaw & Hallelujah! The UW Architecture Commission (UWAC) approved the final exterior designs submitted by P+W. The UWAC had some significant stipulations but nothing we cannot address. The biggest concerned the color of the new brick (north, east, and south). Initially proposed as light/white/creme (depending on eye of beholder), the UWAC very strongly suggested that the color palette be more in line with the color palette of the remaining, historical brick. This wasn’t a surprise b/c the color issue had been highlighted previously. While we haven’t seen the new color palette, I’m happy that the color will be adjusted.

Speaking of adjustments, we continue to learn new things and make slight and not-so-slight adjustments. For instance, based on criteria from Seattle Fire Dept and City of Seattle, we’ve had to adjust the office configurations on the 2nd and 3rd floors to allow for more efficient smoke ventilation. No one can say that we’re not learning from this process.

As I’ve said many times before, as we answer one question/issue, 50 more pop up. Nevertheless, we’re doing what we can to maintain the vision of our students. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, y’all.

Those sounds you hear are coming from crowbars, hammers, saws, and chisels. As we get closer to moving out of the HUB for the renovation (Jun-Aug 2010), a variety of contractors are periodically working in the HUB to determine what’s behind a wall, above a ceiling, under the terrazzo and what materials can be reused.

For instance, guys from Skanska, the HUB project general contractor, carefully removed a slab of the HUB’s original Travertine marble from a spot near the HUB Aud. The slab was about 3.5 x 8 feet and HEAVY HEAVY, and they did the removal skillfully!

The ultimate purpose is to determine if we can RE-USE the marble in the new HUB. Doing so helps us meet our sustainability goal of LEED Gold. Until next time, good luck on final exams!

TickTockTickTock…the HUB renovation-clock is moving too darn quickly. Approx. 7 months from now, the HUB will be packed and moved to Condon.

Next Monday is the UW Architecture Commission mtg and the HUB architects are presenting the latest & greatest designs. The Commission, which is comprised of respected architects from the NW region, has been incredibly supportive of the students’ goals with this project. So think happy thoughts!

Once the Commission offers additional feedback/input, we hope to put updated floorplans and renderings on our website: NewHUB2012.com.

Become a fan of the HUB on Facebook! We will post regularly on both sites, updating you on the HUB renovation project and transition out of the HUB. Come on, what are you waiting for?

HUB Fanpage