“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> Harris-Stowe “font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> State University “font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> celebrated the opening of its second residence hall and new student dining facility on Friday, August 12. The university named the recently completed 65,000-square-foot, four-story structure in honor of attorney Freeman R. Bosley Jr., the first African-American mayor of the City of St. Louis and long-time advocate of the university and its mission.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> “This opening truly represents the final phase in the transformation of our university,” said Dr. Henry Givens Jr., president of Harris-Stowe University. “We could not have achieved this mission and vision without the unwavering support of attorney Freeman R. Bosley Jr. I am privileged to be dedicating this facility in his name.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> During his tenure as the mayor of the City of St. Louis, Bosley played a critical role in the university’s acquisition of 18 acres adjacent to its campus, valued at $12 million, for only $10.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> “At the moment we gave them the land, there was nothing there,” Bosley told The American. “And now to walk on the campus and see all the different buildings – it’s what you call a dream come true.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> Though there was nothing there, the land was coveted by Saint Louis University and area corporations that also were seeking to expand in Midtown. Bosley’s decision to favor Harris-Stowe and forego a competitive bidding process was a risk of political capital for the city’s first African-American major who had been elected through the efforts of a diverse coalition.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> This coveted land made the university’s expansion over the past 15 years possible, Givens said.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> “Five buildings have been subsequently constructed on the land, allowing the university’s vision to become a reality, as well as helping to stimulate the revitalization of Midtown St. Louis,” Givens said.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> Bosley’s daughter, “font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal;”> Sydney Bosley, was present to cut the ribbon on the new structure with him, Dr. Givens and Givens; wife, Belma Givens.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> A number of elected officials also participated in the ribbon-cutting, including “font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal;”> Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay, St. Louis License Collector Michael McMillan and state Rep. Tishaura Jones.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal;”> HSSU Board Chair Thelma Cook and board member Luther Rollins also participated.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> Harris-Stowe has a 150-year history as an institution. However, the university only became a residential campus as recently as 2006, when it opened its first residence hall named in honor of the Rev. Dr. William G. Gillespie.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> In July 2010, the university broke ground on the new hall named for Bosley. The year-long, $15 million construction project was managed by Kwame Building Group. Architectural services were provided by Grice Group Architects and Trivers Associates Architects. K&S Construction is the general contractor.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal;”> Kwame Building Group and Grice Group Architects are St. Louis-based African American-owned business enterprises.
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“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> The new residence hall contains 196 beds and one director’s suite. Each furnished suite includes a common living area, kitchenette, dining area and two bathrooms. Bedrooms are furnished with a bed, dresser, desk and upholstered chair. Kitchenettes are equipped with a microwave oven, refrigerator and garbage disposal. Additional amenities in the new residence hall include a workout facility, student lounges, laundry room, community kitchen and study nooks.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> The hall’s common spaces were designed to encourage the formation of study groups and shared learning experiences among residential students.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> “Our new residence hall and dining facility will allow students to have a well-rounded college experience by participating in leadership activities, developing life-long friendships and focusing on their long-term goal of earning a college degree, without ever leaving our campus,” Givens said.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> The new dining facility, serving both residence halls, was also celebrated at the dedication ceremony. Culinary amenities include a brick pizza oven, pasta and stir fry station, chef’s grill, dessert bar, salad bar and two beverage stations. The facility seats 300 people and also includes an outdoor patio.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> In addition to the dining hall, the building contains a meeting room and lobby, both equipped with audiovisual equipment. The lobby also includes a number of computer stations for student use.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> Bosley said he was overwhelmed with the recognition.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> “Normally you get these types of honors when you aren’t around. I’m glad that they gave me some roses while I’m still alive,” Bosley said.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black;”> “I had so many friends and supporters there. That was the highlight of the whole event – to look out on the audience and see so many people who helped me in so many ways.”
