Another “Neckdown” week ended in success! Neckdown is where the entire student, faculty, and staff help out in the community by doing fix-up jobs. Everyone gets down into the dirt and jumps in the ditch. No project is too small or too big, and we have lots of hands.

This semester, the Studio worked on a multitude of projects both on and off the main campus. While the Morrisette House was getting cleaned top to bottom, the Fabrication Pavilion was getting some new structural fasteners put in the trusses and columns to prepare for a new roof. The Farm installed new planter beds over Christmas break, so we got them up and running with dirt and seeds.

Meanwhile, some of the crew helped the CLT Core House plant trees and do some last-minute cleaning. Trees were the order of business elsewhere, too: We helped both the Dining House team and the Smith Park team plant trees. And we gave both teams a hand milling lumber.

We also accomplished other tasks at our local parks. At Perry Lakes Park, we replaced walkway boards. At Lions Park, we repaired bleachers, fences, and the concession stand, and we rebuilt the gate and gave it a fresh coat of paint. You would never guess who helped rebuild the gate: our fabulous alumnus Zane Morgan of Blackshop in Birmingham, Alabama.

A shout-out to David Hill, who brought out landscape architecture students to plant trees and care for other parts of the landscaping.
All in all, the spring Neckdown week was productive, and the Studio is ready to get back to work on the projects at hand!