Building for the Future
Donation from Raymond G. Slavin, MD
Creates the LRC Bridge Study Commons
Rendering of new LRC Bridge Study Commons
traverse the LRC Bridge between the Medical Center Library and the School of Medicine throughout the year, making the space one of the busiest and most popular touch down points for gathering in small groups or working on one of the eight computer workstations while going to and from classes. This space is open and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Now, thanks to the generosity of Raymond G. Slavin, MD – noted Emeritus Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Allergy and Immunology – the LRC Bridge will be updated as a multi-function study commons, with a variety of soft seating furnishings and full access to both wired and wireless computing.
Booth seating with high-back screens gives a sense of privacy from other students. Located near the window, this space offers beautiful sightlines to the SLU Campus. A bar height table anchors the Casual Zone by creating a barrier between the soft seating and the circulation area.
Students will be able to use this space to meet friends, catch up on classwork, and relax. Providing a variety of postures and heights allows each student to choose what is most comfortable for them and the activity they are doing. Access to power and writeable surfaces will enhance the students’ experience while visiting this space.
A refresh of the furniture, fabrics, and wall color will also add a sense of vibrancy and liveliness: showing students, parents and faculty members the positive impact new furniture can have on this high-traffic environment.
Four seated-height and four standing-height computer stations allow students to choose their posture. A small half-round table offers additional seating.
This is truly a fitting tribute to Dr. Slavin’s unique role in educating tomorrow’s leaders in providing exceptional patient care, his continued generosity as a mentor of medical students, as well as his role as a leader among our faculty.
– David E. Cassens, Dean of University Libraries
Patrick McCarthy, Associate Dean of University Libraries and Director of the Medical Center Library, acknowledged Dr. Slavin’s substantial gift by saying, “This is an important element in our overall plan to develop the physical space of the library to support the wellness initiatives pioneered by Dr. Slavin’s son, Stuart Slavin, MD, Associate Dean for Curriculum at the SLU School of Medicine.
These curricular changes include teaching students how to manage stress and bounce back from adversity. Such program revisions, which have garnered the attention of medical schools throughout the nation, have been shown to improve mental health and boost academic achievement.
“We are eager to continue expanding the multiple means by which the School of Medicine provides an educational environment to enrich both the academic and personal well-being of our students,” McCarthy added.
University Libraries Dean David Cassens expressed deep gratitude for Dr. Slavin’s gift: “This is truly a fitting tribute to Dr. Slavin’s unique role in educating tomorrow’s leaders in providing exceptional patient care, his continued generosity as a mentor of medical students, as well as his role as a leader among our faculty.”
______________________________________________________________
To learn more about opportunities for supporting planned renovations to the Medical Center Library, please contact Associate Dean & Director Patrick McCarthy at 314-977-8803 or by e-mail at: mccartpg@slu.edu.
