September 18, 2007

Contact:   Rachel Andoga

By Rachel Andoga

Caroline Fortney '11 tries out the new student self-service laundry.

While the Davidson laundry service has been a cherished part of student life for the past eighty-eight years, a recent renovation to the Lula Bell Houston Laundry puts a new spin on this old favorite. On September 5, the laundry opened its doors to a high-tech, self-service facility for student use.

Richard Terry, director of auxiliary services, explained that more than 900 students take advantage of the laundry’s wash, dry, and fold services, but roughly 700 students opt to do their own laundry in the washers and dryers available free of charge in many campus residence halls.

John Barnhart, the manager of the Lula Bell Houston Laundry, said the new facility formerly served as storage space. It was renovated to contain sixteen front-loading, high-efficiency washer/dryer units and two industrial-sized washers and dryers. The high-efficiency washers require less water, energy, and detergent than traditional, top-loading washers

Other features include three hard-wired computer stations, access to the college’s new wireless internet service, a flat-screen television, new furniture, and several vending machines. And get this! through a partnership with LaundryView.com users can monitor the availability of washers and dryers online, and receive email notifications of the status of their laundry job. Multi-taskers in the all-night study room never had it so good!

“It’s been an unqualified success so far!” proclaimed Barnhart. Students attending the grand opening agreed, as they enjoyed free ice cream and registered for raffle prizes. Courtney Siegal ’09 won the grand prize, a laundry basket filled with $200 worth of laundry accessories and Davidson Wildcat accoutrements.

Laundry manager John Barnhart staged a festive grand opening for the new facility.

Sarah McIlroy ’11 has always done her own laundry, and expects she’ll occasionally use the laundry service. “I think it’ll be good to have both options. For things you don’t need right away, you can drop them off at the laundry. Personally, though, I really appreciate the opportunity to do my own.”

Like many students, Mejin Leechor ’08 alternates between doing her own laundry and using the college service. “I do my own laundry half of the time, and it’s great to have this place open. Dorm laundry rooms were always so crowded, that this is a great alternative to doing my wash at 6 a.m.!” she said.

Davidson is a highly selective independent liberal arts college for 1,700 students. Since its establishment in 1837 by Presbyterians, the college has graduated 23 Rhodes Scholars and is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

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Posted By: Bill Giduz