Alums make ‘history’ with gift to University By Greg Russell
Gift by Richardsons funds new history resource center designed to promote ‘community’ among students In the basement of Mitchell Hall, Hercules is flexing some muscle — Hercules, as in HERC, the University of Memphis’ new History Educational Resource Center. Complete with a warm and inviting coffee shop vibe, the renovated classroom space offers educational support that includes writing and
History adviser Chrystal Goudsouzian (center) went for a “coffee shop vibe” when choosing decor for the Department of History’s new History Educational Resource Center (HERC). “I thought back to the place I was most comfortable studying at while I was in school and it was a coffee shop,” says Goudsouzian. Renovation of the space used for HERC was made possible by a donation by alums Taylor and Mary Beth Richardson. Also pictured are history adviser Amanda Lee Savage and history chair Aram Goudsouzian. (Photo by Rhonda Cosentino)
study tutoring, academic advising, information sessions and career and postgraduate counseling to students interested in careers in
“HERC provides a quiet and comfortable
students,” he says. “It was also an opportunity
history. It was funded by U of M alums Taylor
place to study in between classes,” says Lones.
to recognize a former professor in the History
(BS ’62) and Mary Beth (MA ’97) Richardson.
“Dr. Goudsouzian did a great job of creating an
Department, Ruth Woodbury, who was an
Early signs show the center will have an impact
environment where students can feel relaxed
encouragement to me when I was in school, so
on retention and degree completion rates — a
and at home while asking for help with their
we made the contribution in her memory.
major initiative of President M. David Rudd.
papers or study tips for their history courses.”
“We wanted to show students that we are
President Rudd is a fan, too, of the new
“Personally, I am very thankful to be able to look back at individuals and events and
interested in their success,” says Dr. Chrystal
center as the University looks for ways to
institutions that have played a positive role in
Goudsouzian, history instructor, advising
increase retention rates and degree completion,
my life, and I find it very gratifying to try to give
coordinator and the brainchild behind the effort.
which factor into state funding formulas. “HERC
back when I am able,” Richardson says. “For me,
“I felt like our students were missing a sense
is a great example of departmental efforts to
many of the individuals and events I remember
of community. We have a lot of commuter
support our students and help grow retention
fondly are associated with the University.”
students and nontraditional students and we
and facilitate completion,” he says. “It also layers
felt that they didn’t have a place within the
in development, given that they were able to
says Richardson “is a man who is invested
department.”
secure private funding. I want to encourage other
in the idea that college is a life-transforming
The room is outfitted with old record albums,
initiatives to mirror that of the Goudsouzians.”
experience.”
vintage popcorn maker, retro furniture (including
Taylor Richardson, who already has made
“We have seen a lot of the data on what
a “homey” couch) and a “cool” color scheme
an impact at the U of M by funding scholarships
makes for a positive experience for students,” he
that translates into a funky, coffee shop feel
for students from Lake County, says he funded
says. “It is not just being taught well, but giving
(think Midtown’s Otherlands). It also features
renovation of the space for several reasons. “I
them a connection to the institution and the
an exquisite mural of a Roman-Greco scene
liked the Goudsouzians’ idea of repurposing
people at the institution. For example, if they
featuring Hercules created by graduate student
a large space in the History Department
get personal writing attention from one faculty
Meredith Lones, already a fan of the center.
to promote a sense of community among
member, often the data says they are much
W W W. M E M P H I S . E D U
Department chair Dr. Aram Goudsouzian
P R ESI DENT’S R EPORT 2014
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