LIVONIA, Mich. – Madonna University’s residence halls are at capacity with 420 students for the 2021-2022 academic year, which is the largest residential population in the school’s history. In response to the increased demand for a residential university experience, Madonna administrators, staff, and students took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for a third residence hall; part of the University’s five-year plan to expand on-campus housing.
The steady rain did not deter the ceremony, Thursday, Sept. 23. “We seem to have a tradition of breaking ground in the rain,” joked Madonna University President Michael Grandillo, Ph.D., referencing the May 2019 downpour for the Welcome Center groundbreaking. “Our academic programs are attracting students from greater distances, and more and more students want to have the residential college experience.”
Madonna has once again partnered with University Housing Solutions (UHS) for this project. Grandillo expressed his gratitude to UHS Founder Frank Murphy for investing in Madonna. Murphy made the largest-ever gift to the University. At the groundbreaking, Jim Schmidt, UHS president, shared how excited his team is to partner with Madonna, as the two institutions share very similar missions and values. “We look forward to being part of the Madonna community for a very long time,” said Schmidt.
Before hardhats were donned and ceremonial shovels were dug into the muddy ground, Fr. Charles Morris, assistant professor of religious studies and philosophy at Madonna, blessed the ground, and added sprinkles of holy water to the sprinkles that were heaven-sent.
The three-story residence hall will hold nearly 100 students and it will feature two sections on either side of a common student lounge and dining area on each floor. The fully-furnished bedrooms will include private closets, and desks for each student. The residents on each floor will share private bathrooms, common laundry space, and common lounge space that includes a full kitchen and seating area.
Based in Powell, Ohio, UHS has more than 30 years of experience in developing student housing projects. From site selection, planning and financing, through construction, UHS provides full-service support throughout all phases of the project.
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