Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University broke ground Monday June 10 for a new dormitory that will house 82 students on campus as part of its long-range master facility plan.
The ceremony began with prayers in Ojibwe by Naaagaanwewidang (Mark Montano Jr.), age 10, and by Dennis White, faculty member. The LCO University Drum sang a welcome song and an honor song.
One of the speakers Monday was tribal elder Maryellen Baker, who has two daughters who are students at LCO OU.
“I appreciate this school so much for what they’re doing, and staying with us,” Baker said. “It will be medicine too. Don’t be afraid; go back to school.”
Participants including contractors, university staff, board of regents, and LCO Tribal Governing Board member Gary “Little Guy” Clause lifted shovels of earth in a traditional beginning of construction.
The university began planning for a campus expansion with a 2020 master facility plan. In the next few years, with support from Senator Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, LCOOU received $10 million for the development of student housing.
The University held a ground blessing ceremony at the site in the fall of 2023 to offer a prayer to the creator giving thanks for what they have and to clear their path to a successful future.
Located on the university farm on Froemel Road, LCOOU’s dormitory will be the first in a series of buildings to be constructed.
“This long-awaited moment in our 42-year history is the culmination of community needs assessments, student surveys, listening sessions, strategic planning, and growth at the University,” said Dr. Russell Swagger, university president.
“The new student housing represents an opportunity for the communities we serve where there is a lack of housing. The dormitories will create additional support for our students while they pursue their education. This is another step in our strategic plan to better serve Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University students and our communities.”
The student dorms are one step along the journey of other campus expansion north of the LCOOU Extension Farm.
The student housing will have several amenities:
A large retail area where students can purchase refreshments and LCOOU gear.
On-site Laundry facilities available to students 24/7.
Common areas will include a Great Room with seating and a fireplace where students and staff can gather under a state-of-the-art architectural wood ceiling.
Large Kitchen with all the amenities and lockers where students can securely store and prepare meals of their choice in a modern kitchen setting.
Elevator with access to all levels of the building.
The Reception/Security Area near the main entrance is always available to students and staff.
Four large living and meeting areas with two located on each level.
Spacious Dorm areas with lots of storage for students to securely keep their belongings.
Four separate study areas available for students to use 24/7.
A modern high-tech security system to keep students and staff secure.
An efficient and modern HVAC system designed to keep students comfortable.
Backup Generator able to power the entire building in case of power outage.
Large restrooms with modern and private shower rooms.
The University contracted LSE Architects to design the facility and Woodstone Inc. to manage the construction.
Woodstone is one of the fastest-growing Native American owned construction companies in the country. The company has worked with 45 Tribes across 16 states. Services provided include preconstruction, construction management, and design-build.
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