By Lena Abella
Criterion news editor

Driving down Pierce Street passed the gym, or around the School of Education, it's hard to miss the construction going on in those areas. In spite of the obvious signs of change, many are clueless about the reason for this activity around campus.

According to Jorge Heyde, Vice President for Financial Administration, two major projects are going on. First is the addition of new tennis courts on the gym lawn next to Pierce. Heyde explains that the old courts were in need of about $90,000 in repairs, which seemed excessive considering the drawbacks of the old location. The development master plan - which includes the re-routing of Pierce, a new ceremonial entryway for LSU, and the development of parks and houses nearby - calls for the unification of the university. Leaving the tennis courts where they were would have placed them across the street from the rest of campus. The re-routing of Pierce will also cut through what are now the track and athletic fields. As a result, these will be the next to be relocated. Once the tennis courts, track, and fields are moved, construction of the street behind the gym will be able to begin.

The second major construction project occurring on campus is the expansion of the School of Education building. According to the LSU Advancement Office, the addition will include new offices for the dean and professors, as well as several new classrooms. Because La Sierra is looking for ways to make the campus more accessible to disabled persons, the new wing will also house an elevator.

The subject of funding these extensive projects has come up again and again. Where does the university get the money for such drastic changes? Heyde explains that funds for the tennis courts come from the profit of a sale of LSU-owned land that occurred last year. The School of Education project is being funded through a donation from Chan Yin Fong; thus, the addition will bear the name of its donor.

Heyde states that ideas for many more projects are already in the planning stages and will be going to budget committees in the next few weeks. "The demands for funds will always outpace a creative and growing campus," he admits. "But from time to time there are opportunities which provide funds and give returns on the investment which we are happy to do."