When asked about “Great Beginnings,” students, faculty and staff tend to react with a blank stare.

Kim Moock, director of orientation, had a typical response. “Other than knowing it’s on Lou’s list of things to do, I know nothing.”

When President Hencken’s project is explained, reactions are positive.

“It’s good that he is very technologically- and environmentally-minded,” said Rhett Hite, a sophomore geography major.

The bridge lounge in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union will have the windows on its southern face replaced with more energy-efficient models.

Instead of installing plain glass, Hencken would like to see quotes related to beginnings etched into the glass.

The project is titled “Great Beginnings.” It will use famous quotes and some local quotes from the university’s history.

Quotes may be submitted by the campus and community.

There is a six-person committee composed of staff, students and faculty that is accepting and organizing the quotes.

The committee has only met three times since its inception, said John Pommier, professor of recreation administration and committee member.

The committee has received about 15 submissions for the window, said Ann Brownson, professor of reference services and committee chair.

The committee still needs more quotes since the window is expected to display as many as 20 quotes.

“I expect at least one quote from Dr. King,” said Kathy Cartwright, assistant director of the union. “After all, the building is named after him.”

Several students and faculty support the new windows, describing the current windows as drafty and unsightly.

“I think (new windows) are great,” said Laurel Fuqua, the Student Activites Committee office manager. “Anything is better than what they (had) put in.”

Fact Box

To submit a quote,

contact Ann Brownson

Mail: c/o Booth Library, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL. 61920

All submissions must be in by March 15.