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Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830
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February 23, 2015

Patrick W. Keenan | Office of Student Life | (218) 726-8741 | pkeenan@d.umn.edu,
Lori C. Melton | External Affairs | (218) 726-8830 | lmelton@d.umn.edu


UMD’s Iconic Ven Den Reopens
Ribbon Cutting scheduled for Tuesday, February 24 at 9 a.m.


Duluth, MN — Chancellor Lendley (Lynn) Black and Solveig Bloomquist, the theatre design and production major who redesigned the lounge nicknamed the Ven Den, will cut the ribbon for its grand reopening on Tuesday, February 24 at 9 a.m. The Ven Den is located in Bohannon Hall 20 and, until now, had remained unchanged since its construction in 1966.

The remodel is the result of a campus-wide idea competition that started last year. “We were looking for a design that had a signature look, designed for students to be used by students,” says Patrick Keenan, director of operations in the Office of Student Life, who coordinated the project. Bloomquist’s winning design retains the mid-century modern feel, but improves its functionality for today’s students with things like improved Wi-Fi and lighting and more outlets for laptops.

“With input from students through all project phases, we designed a new space with a familiar, comfortable feel,” says Keenan. “I think, when we open the doors on Tuesday, others will agree that we’ve succeeded in creating that space.”

Ven Den Ven Den after remodel

Left: Archive photo of Ven Den before remodel. Right: Ven Den after remodel.


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