A Journey Through Time: Exploring the University of Akron's Bookstore, Student Union, and Historical Landmarks
The University of Akron, an institution deeply intertwined with the city's history, boasts a campus that has evolved significantly over the years. From the bustling atmosphere of the bookstore to the vibrant student union and the echoes of the past within its historical landmarks, the university offers a rich tapestry of experiences. This article delves into the history of these integral parts of the university, including the bookstore and student union, along with relevant historical information.
The University of Akron Bookstore: A Hub for Students
The University of Akron has entered into a partnership with Barnes and Noble College for a book bundle program, which automatically enrolls students. Textbooks are stacked along shelves at the University of Akron bookstore. Students at the University of Akron can either pick their books up in the bookstore or have them shipped directly to their residence. If there are digital materials for the class, the university said items will be automatically uploaded to the student’s Brightspace account. Though the actual book rentals through the program are covered by financial aid, students are on the hook for shipping costs. The flat rate for book rentals through the program is $19.75 per credit hour. A full-time student can expect to pay approximately $240 for books to cover 12 credit hours. Undergraduate students were automatically enrolled in the new program when they chose classes this fall. They must opt out between July 29 - when the program opened - and Sept. Not everyone, though, is excited about book rental programs.
Alexander said Barnes & Noble approached the University of Akron about the program ahead of the renewal of its five-year contract, which is close to being finalized. DeWitt said she’s happy with the promotional efforts by the administration to inform students about the program ahead of the start of the semester. She said that in total, around 100 students were surveyed. “Kind of introducing this new idea to see if they were interested. “They were the most concerned about this,” Samsa said. Another aspect of the CSU push that raised concern for Samsa and other students: the secrecy around the administration’s efforts.
The Jean Hower Taber Student Union: A Center of Campus Life
The new Student Center, now named in honor of Jean Hower Taber, is a central point on campus. Jean Hower Taber was a community volunteer and philanthropist who served on the Hower House Board of Trustees. She was the great granddaughter of John H. Hower, one of the founders of the Quaker Oats Company and the builder of the 1871 Victorian mansion, Hower House-which was gifted to The University of Akron in 1973 by Taber’s father, John B. Hower. Taber graduated from Colby Sawyer Junior College in 1943. She married Benjamin C. A member of The University of Akron Foundation Board of Directors from 1986 to 1992, Taber was involved in a variety of volunteer work and philanthropy throughout Northeast Ohio. Over her lifetime, Taber’s gifts to The University of Akron exceeded $7.5 million. They were given in support of Hower House and its grounds, student scholarships, and academic and athletic programs. In 2017, former University of Akron President Matthew J.
The "New Landscape for Learning" and Campus Transformation
The University began its “New Landscape for Learning” campus enhancement program in 2000 under the direction of President Proenza. The initiative physically transformed the campus with the addition of 22 new buildings; 18 major additions, acquisitions and renovations; and 34 acres of new green space. “New Landscape for Learning” Campus Master Plan clearly illustrates the extensive building program initiated by President Luis Proenza and branded as the “New Landscape for Learning,” The buildings in yellow were new buildings proposed as part of the plan. Most of these were constructed or renovated during Proenza’s tenure, including the new Arts & Sciences Building, new student affairs building (Simmons Hall), new Student Center, now named in honor of Jean Hower Taber, and the new Field House and Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
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Polsky Building: A Historic Landmark
If you could travel back in time, you would hear Christmas bells and busy shoppers bustling around the Polsky Building, during an era in which it was known as Polsky’s Department Store. Abraham Polsky and Sam Myers founded a humble dry goods store in 1885 on Howard Street. Little did they know, Abraham’s sons, Bert and Harry, would launch this small business into an illustrious multilevel department store that spanned an entire city block, thriving well into the 1970s. Polsky’s housed four levels of merchandise from fine jewelry to furniture, and even had a restaurant named the Puritan, a place of refreshment for hungry shoppers that was famous for its delicious pies. Polsky’s history in Akron began in 1885 as Abraham Polsky and Sam Myers’s store, Myers & Polsky Drygoods. The first brick-and-mortar Polsky store was located at 165 South Howard Street. However, the company was negatively affected by the Depression of 1892, and the pair went their separate ways, leaving the A. Though Abraham Polsky passed away in 1915, his two sons Bert A. and Harry O. The Polsky Building as we know it was constructed between 1929 and 1930. The new Polsky building became known for more than its architectural style and futuristic parking structure, though. Polsky’s storefront windows were famous for their elaborate Christmas displays that drew onlookers from far and wide to witness marionette shows (1945-49), Santa Claus and His Toyland Circus (1960), or the adventures of the gingerbread boy (1974-78). Unveiled the night of Thanksgiving each year, the Polsky Christmas windows became a staple of the Akron family’s holiday excursions and marked the start of the Christmas season. The late 1970s was a time of economic struggle in Akron. The Mohawk Rubber Company shut down in 1978, and the Firestone and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Companies began to negotiate wage cuts. Polsky’s closed for good just before Christmas of 1978, after nearly a century in business. The now-empty building “had originally been intended to be a hotel built by a group of investors headed by F. A. Hal Fry, “The Polsky Story,” Akron Beacon Journal, (28 Aug. 1960): p. 2.Mark J. Price, Lost Akron, (The History Press, 2015), p. 71.Hal Fry, “The Polsky Story,” Akron Beacon Journal, (28 Aug. 1960): p. 8.Mark J. Price, Lost Akron, (The History Press, 2015), p. 71.Ibid., p. 72.“Parking Was Plentiful At Polsky’s,” Akron Beacon Journal, (5 Nov. 1978): p. 25. Price, Lost Akron, (The History Press, 2015), p. 73.Special, Reginald Stuart, “Closing of Store and Plants Mark Decline in Akron,” New York Times, (10 Dec. 1978): p. 25. Jennifer Racutt, “Polsky’s renovation will launch a new era,” The Buchtelite, (23 July 1993), University of Akron Archives.Ibid.Curated Storefront, accessed 29 Oct. Photograph, Downtown Akron - Christmas, c. Most students dread having class in Polsky, as it often seems dark and dreary with hardly any windows. If you answered with the Polsky Building, then you may be familiar with the current association that the structure has as an educational building of The University of Akron.
Other Important Places on Campus
Located right on Exchange St. near The University of Akron, you won’t miss this building as it has a giant mural on the side. Their gift shop, the Wood Shed Emporium, offers local books, Mutton Hill merch, locally made gifts and more. (Note: They’re open during scheduled tours and special events. Shop online or at an Akron 200 event! Shop one-of-a-kind metal art by a true Akron legend. Find even more Akron-area ideas in our recent Favorite Things Gift Guide created by the Everyday Akron team. What would you buy for that special Akron fan in your life? This blog post was written by Megan Delong-Borick, a Middlebury neighbor and advocate.
This space is ever-changing and filled with food stands (like Plannerz Place Eatery - SO GOOD!), small businesses that are mentioned in ZipsGuide, and more! In addition to their incredible selection of health-focused groceries, you can find great midwest- and Akron-themed stickers! This Minor League Baseball team offers so many good hats and merch for fans. This micro brewery, located in the Middlebury Neighborhood on East Market St., has stickers, glassware, clothing, and NORKA Soda! This gallery is filled with work by local artists. Located in West Hill, the LeBron James Family Foundation drops new merchandise every month. Located in Cuyahoga Falls, this boutique offers a variety of locally designed tees that shout out everything from trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park to jojos - our area’s beloved potato product. If you’re looking for custom designs, they’ve got you covered! They also have a ton of pre-made designs for Akron neighborhoods. Located at F.A. This gift shop supports Cuyahoga Valley National Park and has the merch to prove it.
Student Recreation and Wellness Center
The SRWS Director shared the concern with the staff so it can be followed up with the trainers. All of the group exercise instructors and personal trainers are required to have and maintain national certification in their specific disciplines. These trainings, as well as our in house training, include modification techniques of exercises. Modifications go beyond age to be broader in scope to include mobility impairments which can affect all ages. SRWS provides two inclusive changing rooms and adjoining lockers.
University Achievements
The University of Akron Achievement Awards are an annual set of awards given to faculty, staff, and contract professionals. The Talent Development and Human Resources Standing Committee provided the following information: UA employs 159 part-time regular (non-teaching) employees and 239 temporary part-time employees. When part-time employees are hired, it is made clear that the position is part-time and there is no indication that it will become full-time in the future.
Read also: Comprehensive Akron Zips History
Parking and Transportation
The Parking Services Director recommends making no changes to the existing parking lot designations or campus loop route at this time. Parking and Transportation Services monitors parking lot availability and weighs rider feedback, making adjustments to the shuttle route when warranted and feasible, and will continue to do so during the winter months.
Read also: AEA: Teachers and Students
tags: #akron #university #bookstore #student #union #history
