September 27, 2005

Groundbreaking for a 108-bed residence hall took place during the chapel hour Monday, Sept. 26 at Corban College.

Board members and city leaders joined students, faculty and administration for the short ceremony just north of Davidson Hall, which followed the first chapel to take place in the new amphitheater.

“I liked being outside – in God’s creation – for chapel, and I liked the groundbreaking,” said Freshman Tyler Grove. “It’s cool to know where the future dorm will be. Who knows; I could end up living there!”

President Reno Hoff in opening remarks at the groundbreaking said he believes there is a revival spreading among young people on the West Coast.

“It’s moving over every area of our campus,” he said. “Soon we’ll build a third new residence hall.”

Mike McLaran, executive director of the Salem Chamber of Commerce, commended Corban for the difference it is making in Salem today and throughout the world as students graduate. Tim Baker, pastor of Bethany Baptist Church and a member of the Corban board of trustees, delivered the dedicatory prayer.

Those who posed for photos marking the ceremonial first turning of the soil using brass-tipped shovels included William Ryals, the building’s architect; Ron Reimer, project contractor ; Doug Pfieler, board member; Chris Erickson, vice president for business; residence hall director; Vice presidents Bryce Bernard, Steve Hunt and Nancy Hedberg; Brenda Roth, Davidson Hall residence director; and Dr. Hoff.

“On behalf of the Salem community, I am very delighted with the impact Corban College is having in our community,” McLaran said to the perhaps 300 people at the groundbreaking. “I commend Corban on the groundbreaking of the new residential units because it shows the commitment of Corban to be equipped and ready to serve those who are seeking a faith foundation for their life’s journey.

“I personally commend you in this city of Salem, City of Shalom, for bringing peace to one another, for making a difference in the world,” the city leader said. “This is a significant tribute and recognition of Corban’s leadership and you who are here at Corban College.”

Baker prayed that all things done on the construction site over the next few months would be dedicated to God.
“We see the life change that will happen and commit it to you,” the pastor prayed. “We pray You will make this a very blessed undertaking that in the months to come it will be a source of joy to all. … We declare it is Corban – dedicated to You. We pray Your hand will bless all that will happen here.”

The new residence hall has been designed as a three-story structure similar in style to Davidson; it will house about 110 students. A parking lot of 72 vehicles will be constructed in addition to the 25,000 square foot residence hall.
Construction costs are estimated at $3.4 million.

Davidson and the as-yet-unnamed new residence hall will be about 75 feet apart at their closest point, construction company owner Reimer said in the minutes before the groundbreaking ceremony. A third residence hall, still further north on Warrior Drive, already has been staked.

All the trees on that section of the campus are to be removed; the new residence hall is to be completed by mid-August.
“Chris [Erickson] has a way of getting people to do more than they think they’re capable of,” Reimer said. “My biggest concern is the long-term weather report that says we’re going to have a summer [next year] like 1996.”

--By Karen L. Willoughby