LEHMAN, Pa. – Students at Penn State DuBois will have the chance to enjoy an updated Student Union and cafeteria area beginning during the 2016-17 academic year. Renovations to the Hiller Building are underway this summer, including work to replace the kitchen and food-prep area in the Lion's Den Café. Additional updates to the union area, including new flooring, also will be completed. 

"Upgrades to the food service area will allow the vendor to better serve students and continue to provide as many quality options as possible for those who take advantage of our on-campus food service," said DuBois Director of Business Services John Luchini. "Overall, this also will provide a more appealing atmosphere in the Student Union for students to relax or study between classes, and will improve the student experience."

Also included in the Hiller Building renovations are upgrades to the building's heating and cooling systems, such as the replacement of outdated boilers. Existing restrooms will undergo a complete transformation to become fully accessible, American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) facilities, and one new unisex bathroom will be added to the building. The addition of an elevator also will help to make the building fully accessible to everyone.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $3.5 million. Funding has been provided by the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses, the Facility Resource Committee at University Park, and the student facility fee.

Work is expected to be completed by early December. According to Luchini, CRH Catering will offer food service in an alternate location on campus during the fall semester, while construction continues.

Constructed in 1976, the Donald S. Hiller Building is named for the former campus executive officer, who served from 1950-1978.  The building houses the Student Union and Lion's Den Café, the campus auditorium, the bookstore, the library, the offices of Student Affairs, Student Engagement, and Career Services, as well as faculty offices. This is the first major renovation the building has undergone since its construction.