While driving through Small Group Housing the other day, I saw dumpsters full of material pulled up right next to a couple of the buildings. What's going on?

The Board of Trustees gave the go-ahead to demolish Barber Hall and Caldwell Hall (1222 and 1252 Douglas Drive) at its October meeting. Back in 1998, the University studied the feasibility of renovating the two buildings to meet current code requirements and determined it would cost more than $2 million per building. Neither building has been used for more than five years. When funds become available, the two buildings will be demolished (at a cost of $500,000, from University Housing's Repair and Replacement Reserve) to prepare for future construction of new housing facilities, in keeping with the goals of Southern at 150 and the Campus Land Use Plan.

Remembering Robbie

Back in September, Southern Windows asked a question about the significance of a cross set up in gravel outside Life Sciences III. We received a few answers (it's the grave of a bird) and are printing our favorite:

Several years ago on a warm spring morning, we (the dwellers of Life Science III) discovered a body lying outside the building entrance. At first we were suspicious that there had been "fowl" play. We (being scientific and medical researchers) upon further investigation, discovered that the victim had suffered a broken neck. Campus Police never investigated. Why? They were never called. We were not interviewed nor misquoted in any local print about the incident. Why? Negative news, perhaps something about recruitment and retention efforts, would be my best guess. Robbie had met with a sad end of life. We came and went everyday to our appointed rounds passing Robbie lying there lifeless (because of being dead) and alone (because birds of a feather do not flock together). Summer faded into fall and fall gave way to winter. As the snows melted into spring, we noticed Robbie still lying outside the entrance window perfectly preserved as if to reside in our hearts and memories forever. What happened next cannot be completely revealed as to avoid possible contract violations with the Physical Plant. But what I am at liberty to disclose, is that one of the building dwellers covered Robbie's body with decorative stone. Another occupant constructed a wooden cross to mark the passing of one of Earth's inhabitants. Soon after, two lovely flowers (taken from an office arrangement on the second floor) were placed next to the cross and grave. Later, a candle appeared. Over the years, cards and letters were left for Robbie. I am writing this as a sincere wish that readers know that Robbie is always with us in our hearts (and under that pile of rocks). But alas, as the Phoenix rises from the ash, so does the memory of our beloved Robbie who mistook a campus building as a secure refuge. The moral of the story: Some may give the ultimate sacrifice to enter into the community of higher education. However, may we all be mindful not to break "our necks" trying to get back out.

Are you curious about something on campus: a rumor, a landmark, policy, procedure, etc.? Send your questions to Media & Communication Resources, Mail Code 6519, or via e-mail to windows@siu.edu. All questions remain confidential and are published anonymously.