A generous grant from the Van Evera Foundation has provided funding for a well-attended annual Distinguished Lecture series. Improved University allocations for student activities should be pursued through the strategic planning process. Physical Resources Numerous enhancements to physical facilities have improved student services since 1988. University sponsored athletic facilities such as the golf course, ski hill, and bowling lanes, and the intramural program also contribute to student life, as does the healthy environment of the Keweenaw peninsula, which invites all types of outdoor experiences for students. However, space for student activities of all sorts is limited.
Social space remains limited, particularly for commuting students.
Lack of study and social space is particularly problematic given the physical climate of long, cold winters. The lack of coordination among student organizations results in organizations scheduling against each other for limited space to conduct major events in the MUB, SDC, and ROTC building. On a positive note, the addition of a Performing Arts Center will provide new space for cultural programming and also social space for some student performing-arts organizations. Ground breaking for the long anticipated Performing Arts and Education Center is scheduled for May 1998 with completion expected in December 1999. Some programming endowments are in place.