Rakes, shovels and even a paint brush or two will sprout Thursday, May 18, on the University of Oregon campus as hundreds of students, staff and faculty roll up their collective sleeves to give the campus a thorough spring cleaning. It’s University Day! At this annual event, volunteers will spend the day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. cleaning, painting, planting flowers, spreading bark dust and completing other campus beautification projects. At 11:45 a.m. near the corner of East 13th and Agate, UO President Dave Frohnmayer and other dignitaries will join the Oregon Duck to dedicate a major "front door" for the UO campus, the main entry and visitor gathering area outside Oregon Hall,
1585 E. 13th Ave. Two new benches and lamp posts, new brick pavers and a lighted campus map station will be added. Also included in the project are soil and irrigation improvements and the addition of small trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annuals–for seasonal color accents–to the entrance planter. The enhancements are intended to make the area more attractive and inviting for current and prospective students, families, customers and employees. This project is the first step in a major revamping and reorganization of the interior of Oregon Hall, set to begin in June, that will make student services programs and offices more accessible and user-friendly. University Day student co-directors Katy Ho and Greg Danielson encourage participants to demonstrate their pride in the university, but also to have fun and enjoy the festive atmosphere of University Day. Besides, they say, campus needs to look nice as parents and other family members are expected to show up May 19—21 for Spring Family Weekend!" Student leaders organized the annual clean-up in cooperation with Student Life and Facilities Services staff. Headquarters for participant sign-up and work assignments will be near the Pioneer Father statue on East 13th between Fenton and Friendly halls. Those working at least one hour will receive a free commemorative T-shirt. SOURCES: Student co-directors Katy Ho and Greg Danielson, 346-1079; e-mail katyho@gladstone.uoregon.edu and gdaniels@gladstone.uoregon.edu; cell phone on May 18, 953-0246.

—30—

#T-2223/Local