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Under a clear Alabama sky, the renovated Olivia Davidson Hall was officially opened Friday during a ribbon cutting ceremony, which included Turner Construction partners who managed the renovation.
The 146-bed residential hall is named after the second wife of the university’s first principal, Booker T. Washington. She was a beacon for female empowerment and education. The $44 million project transforms traditional dormitory spaces into contemporary two-bed and four-bed suite-style units, with new amenities such as card-key and key fob access, surveillance cameras for added security of all entrances, classroom/study areas, and laundry facilities.
“It is a privilege to join you and the Tuskegee community for the ribbon cutting of the transformed Olivia Davidson Hall,” said Peter Davoren, CEO of Turner Construction Company. “This historic residence is now a modern community forward space and an exceptional environment for living and learning.”
Davoren acknowledged Turner employee Thaddeus Smith, a Miami-based senior project manager, who is a TU alum and member of the Athletic Hall of Fame for football.
“It’s a beautiful day and great to be in front of Olivia Davidson,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, Tuskegee President and CEO. “It’s important to note that what we are really talking about is teamwork.”
Dr. Brown acknowledged Tuskegee Mayor Tony Haygood, Tuskegee Trustee Natalie Knight and others to highlight the coordinated effort for this and other campus enhancements.
“We put security first at Tuskegee and we will continue to do that,” he said. “As we cut the ribbon and go through here room by room, our parents will be happy and proud that their children are coming to a new, safe place to live and learn. What we’ve done to Olivia Davidson and to every place you will walk into with new campus security enhancements has my gratitude. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Students in Olivia Davidson Hall must use their IDs to enter the building and key fobs to enter their rooms. This security measure will be installed in every other residence hall and office building on campus this year.
“We put security first at Tuskegee and we will continue to do that,” said Dr. Brown.
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