BEAUMONT, Texas — Tomorrow is back to class for students at Lamar University, and cardinals will start their semester with newly renovated spaces across campus.
"I'm really excited to do this it's my last semester," said Jaelan Sherman.
Sherman lives and works on campus, so she's had the opportunity to see the progress in real time.
"I actually stayed over the summer and I got to actually see all the workers renovating the D Hall," said Sherman.
With its shiny new floors and furniture, students are already enjoying the newly renovated dining hall.
"It looks amazing in there, it's so spacious," said Sherman.
John Rollins with Lamar says the dining hall is just a small part of a full makeover for the university.
"We've got the student health center, which that just reopened inside the recreational sports center. It's fantastic. Our library is undergoing renovations," said Rollins.
Rollins says library renovations aren't expected to be completed until the fall of 2025, but this will streamline key student services.
"It's like a one stop shop tutoring, mentoring, the writing center they're all going to be on the same floor," said Rollins.
The university also added new Wi-Fi technology in the residence halls.
"We made this decision based on student feedback. So anything we can do to make their experience at Lamar better that's what we're here to do," said Rollins.
Sherman says that she is looking forward to this upgrade.
"Last year the Wi-Fi was not that good. so having my own personal code to my own Wi-Fi in my room allowing for a quicker connection a stable connection that helps out because a lot of my classes are online," said Sherman, "It makes me feel like I was heard and it makes me feel at home."
Rollins also says new flooring was added inside the Montage Center and LU will be adding a new intermural field that will give the university's band a place to practice.