ACUI (Association of College Unions International) will hold its 2013 conference right here in St. Louis in March, and MMA will be a major player in it. Gene Mackey and John Burse will be giving an architectural walking tour on Sunday, March 10 which will culminate in a visit to our new office at the historic Cupples 9 building. Principal John Burse will also be presenting a case study of the transformation of the Memorial Student Center (MSC) at the university of Wisconsin-Stout with Darrin Witucki, director of the student center. Senior Associate Merrilee Hertlein will lead a discussion on the “best practices” comments written by ACUI members on Mackey Mitchell’s “expo graffiti wall” at last year’s conference.

From March 10–14 the ACUI community will gather to “Discover New Perspectives” in St. Louis. Delegates will engage in dialogue within our community through networking and programs tailored to students, emerging professionals, and senior leaders. Educational sessions and keynote speakers will allow attendees to share knowledge and gain new perspectives on current trends and issues important to the profession.

Mackey Mitchell Architects will serve as a corporate sponsor for the upcoming 2013 ACUI (Association of College Unions International) Conference to be held in St. Louis, March 10-14.  This year’s conference, themed “Discover New Perspectives” is designed to share knowledge and gain new perspectives on current trends in student centers. As a sponsor, MMA will serve as conference concierge and will be leading architectural tours of the city.  Principal John Burse will be presenting a case study on the transformation of the Memorial Student Center (MSC) at the University of Wisconsin-Stout with Darrin Witucki. Director of the MSC. Senior Associate Merrilee Hertlein will lead a discussion on the “best practices” comments noted by ACUI members on Mackey Mitchell’s “expo graffiti wall” at last year’s conference.

When students transition from home to campus life, the ability to acclimate quickly, build trusting relationships, and identify  with the campus “tribe” can make the difference between a student’s success or failure.  For a university it can mean attracting students and creating loyal alumni. Mackey Mitchell senior associate Merrilee Hertlein presented “Make Your Mark…Branding the University” at the 2012 Region 5 ACUI Conference. Citing the renovated student union at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and Western Kentucky University as case studies, she discussed how branding campus buildings can create relationship-building among students and the university.  From the moment students arrive, they should have an understanding of the campus culture and what it means to be part of the campus community. 

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Architect John Burse has been invited to speak at the November 3, 2012 ACUI Region 5 Conference at Northern Kentucky University.  The theme of this year’s conference is “The Art of Revitalizing Community by Design.”  In his presentation, John will address how  tired and outdated buildings can be transformed into vibrant places.  Using the revitalized Memorial Student Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stout as a case study, John will share how a $19 million renovation created a renewed vitality on campus.  As one student leader remarked, “We used to make accommodations for the building. Now the building accommodates us.”  In the session, John will provide a range of examples on how an underperforming facility can become a campus treasure.

Gene Mackey, Merillee Hertlein and Marcus Adrian (along with John Burse) are in Chicago this weekend for SCUP’s (Society for College and University Planning) 47th Conference titled “Make No Isolated Plans – Integrated Planning for Educational Quality.”  Mackey Mitchell representatives will be manning our bright, colorful booths #116 and 118 from July 7-11 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Mackey Mitchell enjoys this  opportunity to learn from the many workshops, exhibitors, vendor presentations, exceptional speakers, and colleagues at SCUP’s yearly event.

If you’re planning to attend the 2012 ACUHO-I conference (Association for College and University Housing Officers International) july 7 -10, be sure to stop by booth #321 and say hello to Stefanie Barnes, Steve Emer, and Kyle Wagner.

Mackey Mitchell will also be giving two presentations at the conference.  Firm representative and  Jack Collins, Director of Housing at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will present “It Takes A Team,” discussing the University’s Res Hall II project.  MMA is also teaming up with Patrick Conner, Executive Director of Residential Programs and Services, Indiana University, to talk about the implementation of design ideas that evolved from ACUHO-I’s “21st Century Project.”  The Indiana University is one of only three campuses in the country selected to undertake this ambitious effort which calls for re-imagining the residence hall of the future. (Check ACUHO-I’s program for more detailed information.)  The Association for College and University Housing Officers is the preeminent professional association that supports and promotes the collegiate residential experience.

Gwynn Zivic and Rachel Raterman shared this year’s trends after attending NeoCon’s big event held each year at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.  Bright primary colors, hot pinks and fuchsias are the latest color trends.  Also popular are “retro” or “Mad Men-esque” furnishings and accessories with lots of golds, tweeds and textured “chunky” rugs. (Looks like “shag is back.”) The latest trends in fabrics revealed bold stripes, retro pattterns, and lots of texture.  

Carpet tile designs are becoming more customized.  Tiles with “lock dots” were shown as a method for reducing heavy adhesives which in turn, can help reduce shipping costs.  Plank-style flooring with a mix of colors and ‘wood look” ceramic tiles were displayed. Wall treatments featured strong artists’ influences, along with 3form custom graphics and custom glass panels.  Fold-out lounge chairs, work-benching sysems with iPad monitors and rocking chairs were also a hit. 

Both Rachel and Gwynn waited 45 minutes for the team of Gill and Jill Bumby who, disguised in a wig and stocking cap to maintain anonymity, gave conference attendees “fair and honest appearance appraisals.”  Apparently the Bumby duo is popular at trade shows and a hit in New York. Even Lady Gaga had them do an evaluation.

In just two weeks, the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) will be holding its 47th annual conference in downtown Chicago.  We’ll be sending John Burse, Merrilee Hertlein, Marcus Adrian and Gene Mackey to meet and greet those who stop by booth # 116 &118 on July 7-11 at the Hyatt Regency.  

According to SCUP’s planners, “Conference attendees will gain practical solutions and applications, high-level strategic views, fresh, approaches, and best planning practices in higher education with over 100 concurrent education sessions, workshops, plenary sessions, and an idea market place. Hope to see you there.

Be sure to stop by Booth #402 on March 18 through 22, where Mackey Mitchell will be attending the 92^nd ACUI  (Association for College Unions International) conference. Mackey’s theme this year is  “bright Ideas.” Since ACUI is the place where student union directors come to get new ideas, Mackey will contribute to ACUI’s scholarship fund for next year’s conference to be held in St. Louis.  

This year’s venue of choice is Boston, a city known for its strong cultural roots, its  higher education institutions and for its role in the American Revolution, where ACUI has taken its cue for this year’s theme titled “Our Revolution, an opportunity to Relate, Reflect, and React.  Gwynn Zivic, John Burse and Merrilee Hertlein will be sharing information as well as networking with students and senior professionals at this yearly event.

Architects Greg Frankenfeld and Jordan Gatewood hosted an educational program about the planning and design of the South 40 residential neighborhood at Washington University in St. Louis as part of ACUI’s Regional Conference program (Saturday, November 5th). “Turning the Student Center Inside Out,” featured a tour of the South 40′s most recent dining venues and residence halls.  As a result of the South 40 House, College Hall, and the new plaza, the university can now now host a multitude of events including residential college dinners, Acapella concerts, semi-formal dances, panel discussions, reunion events, fairs, study nights, concerts, movie screenings, and Super Bowl parties. The outdoor plaza is actually a new type of space for the South 40 and is now being used for an annual Symphony night, a Night Market and, weather permitting, al fresco dining. According to WUSTL’s events planning coordinator,  the new facilities have been positively embraced by the WU community.