The library on any college campus is the center from which students and faculty draw information to build knowledge. As we look to Juniata's future, Statton Learning Commons will provide information in a variety of forms, host spaces that will nurture ideas, that teach our community how to learn in new modalities, and ignite a spirit of curiosity within our campus culture.

That vision resonates with members of the Class of 1969. Many of them recall toting boxes of books into the still-new Beeghly Library while they were students. Their shared experiences of teaching and learning led them to a place where they understood the importance of investing their 50th reunion class gift to help carry our library into the future.

“In 1965, when Beeghly Library was brand new, it was extremely important to us as students. We studied in the library and it was integral to our success,” says John Batchelor ’69 trustee and member of the 1969 Class Reunion Committee and Legacy Gift Committee. “Now, students learn so differently, and I believe the concept of individualized liberal arts learning environment.”

In total, the Class of 1969 raised $2,845,469. This is the third largest gift ever given by a 50th reunion class, with a surprising $367,013 gift of cash pledges, directed towards the construction of the new learning commons. That cash gift is the largest from any class to any single project in the College’s history. In recognition of their gift, the College will name the Class of 1969 Academic Resource Suite in Statton Learning Commons in their honor.

The Class of 1969 did much more than help Juniata College fund a new building. We believe our campus library serves as a crucible where intelligence and curiosity meet opportunity through collaboration. Members of the Class of 1969 recognized that our physical buildings and spaces must meet that promise to our students. One of Juniata’s longstanding traditions, and one that is a point of great pride, is the partnership between our students and faculty. With help from these dedicated alumni, the new learning commons will underscore this valuable pedagogical practice for countless new learners.

“Working with people is one of the most important skills to have,” says Rohan Bandekar '22, a sophomore whose Program of Emphasis is entrepreneurship, of the planned learning commons. “Having a place that fosters that attribute within our learning community is not just essential to becoming a better professional, it is essential to becoming a better citizen.”

As the library is a hub of learning on any college campus for both students and faculty, Statton Learning Commons will be poised to influence everyone who In celebration of the 50th reunion of the Class of 1969, Janine (Everhart) Katonah, left, and Bonnie (Cave) Maechler presented their class’ gift to President James A. Troha at a gathering during Alumni Weekend. Class of 1969 Academic Resource Suite Learning Commons display alumni weekend 2019.indd 1 9/16/19 4:33 PM participates in the learning enterprise at Juniata. This new facility will house, the people who help students shape and understand their educational options: advisers and advising resources, peer study tables and coaching, student engagement personnel, a center for undergraduate research, career services, and more.

Harnessing students’ spirit of inquiry and cooperation, the new learning commons will create an environment where collaborative learning flourishes, resources for student success will be accessible and information across various media will be delivered. The Class of 1969 embraced this mission by raising funds above and beyond the learning commons project to support other areas of needs like the Juniata Scholarship Fund, various scholarship endowments, program endowments, study abroad opportunities, the Academic Excellence Fund, and Juniata Athletics.

Gifts from alumni, friends, parents, and corporations are paramount to Juniata’s continued success. The philanthropic investment provided by generous donors help us deliver on our core principles, while enhancing our ability to improve.

Those interested in learning more about the Statton Learning Commons project are encouraged to reach out to a member of the Advancement team at 814-641-3110, or visit believe.juniata.edu.