Gordon to Dedicate New Residence Hall In Downtown Lynn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2006

MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Hopkins
Office of College Communications
978.867.4569

WENHAM, MA-On Tuesday, October 17, Gordon College will dedicate a new residence hall in downtown Lynn. The new residence hall will be named Barton Hall in honor of longtime Lynn resident and community activist Virginia Barton.

The decision to name the new residence hall after Barton was made by Gordon President Judson Carlberg and the College Cabinet, as Gordon moves into the third year of the Gordon-in-Lynn community partnership program.

"Virginia Barton has been instrumental in breaking down racial discrimination barriers in the city of Lynn," says Valerie Buchanan, director of the Gordon-in-Lynn program. "Her experience and vast knowledge of Lynn's ethnic history and population has been invaluable to our students, particularly those who've had the opportunity to meet with her. Barton was president of the NAACP local chapter, co-founder of the Community Minority Cultural Center (CMCC), a single parent who raised six of her own children and two foster children. Her legacy truly inspires students to embrace a vocation of faithful service to their communities."

Barton Hall opened its doors to students in late August and the facility features seven apartments-six for students and one for the Resident Director. Each apartment ranges from 1100 to 1300 square feet and features two bedrooms that accommodate four students.

"Living in Lynn is amazing because it's offering a way for me to grow, to learn, and to become familiar with city life. The apartments provide a safe and comfortable environment to do that, where I am surrounded by other students experiencing the same challenges," says Lauren Kemp, a student living in Barton Hall.

The Gordon-in-Lynn program involves students in the city of Lynn; a diverse socio-economic, multi-racial community where the complexities of an urban environment are experienced in every day life. Student involvement with the people living and working in Lynn is an opportunity to experience and serve in the context of real relationships.

"The students are being challenged and growing due to their presence in Lynn," says Terry Charek, Associate Dean for Residence Life. "Everyone is connected in some way now to Lynn and they are feeling part of the community."

Gordon spent nearly $1 million transforming the Lynn Woodworker's Warehouse into the 24-student residence hall. The property is owned by Oasis Development, and its principal, Raymond Lee, is a Gordon trustee and a strong supporter of the Gordon-in-Lynn program.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 16, 2006, 4:30 pm

WHERE: 126 Oxford Street, Lynn, MA

WHAT: Residence Hall dedication ceremony presided over by College President Judson Carlberg and members of the Gordon Community. Members of the public are welcome.

For more information on the Gordon-in-Lynn program, please contact the Office of College Communications at 978.867.4569 or visit www.gordon.edu/li

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Gordon College is a Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences on Boston's North Shore. The college offers majors in 36 fields and has graduate programs in education and music education. Leading the way in Christian college merit, Gordon is nationally ranked for its excellence in academics and its role in character building. These achievements recognize Gordon as one of the nation's top Christian colleges.

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