by Xochitl Campos
Daily Lobo
Three years ago, a club for faculty members was only an idea. On Friday, it became a reality.
Beverly Burris, chair of the Faculty Club Committee, was at the club Friday to welcome visiting faculty members and guide them through their facility during an open house.
The house at 1923 Las Lomas Road used to belong to the late professor Walter Keller, and in recent years, it was used as an office building for several departments at the University.
"I like to think he would be pleased that his home was turned into a faculty club," Burris said.
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Renovation of the building began in August, with $131,000 allocated to the project. The club was originally projected to open during winter break.
"It's sort of a work in progress still," Burris said.
The building was renovated, but landscaping still needs to be done.
Burris said her priority when working on plans for the club was to make it into a space that would be appropriate for members of the faculty to come and relax in.
"I think it will produce interdisciplinary interaction and collaboration," Burris said. "Students have the nice new SUB. The faculty needs something too."
Inside the club is a library, a music room, two conference rooms and a kitchen area.
Burris said she considers the conditions ideal for a retreat space and conference area.
"We envision people playing piano here and having concerts here," Burris said as she walked through the building.
Faculty members were beginning to make themselves feel at home.
"I think it is really important for the faculty to be able to come together from all parts of the University," Burris said.
Standing at the door, Burris met Fred Schueler, a professor of philosophy.
"I think it is great - something we should have done a long time ago," Schueler said.
Schueler said it is difficult for faculty to mingle outside of their departments, and the club will be a great way to meet people.
Karen Foss from the Communication & Journalism department agreed.
"I have never been at a place that had a faculty club before, so I think that it could have potential," she said.
Burris said this was what she intended when she began planning the club.
"What we wanted to create was a community of scholars," Burris said. "Ideally, universities have that intention."
Burris said the faculty club committee is planning on renting out the building for retreats.
"We do need to generate a little income," Burris said.
Burris said she is hoping new faculty may be willing to take over responsibility of the club as time progresses.
This is the second faculty club the University has had. The first one closed in 1989 because of financial troubles.
In the main living room there is a plaque dedicated to UNM President Louis Caldera. Burris said if it had not been for Caldera's help, the faculty club would not exist.
"President Caldera was the person who really decided we were going to make this happen," Burris said.
