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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2002

Birmingham-Southern to rename renovated residence hall to honor local philanthropists

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-Birmingham-Southern College's first suite-style residence hall for men will officially be designated as the Bill and Lyndra Daniel Residence Hall during dedication ceremonies on campus Thursday, Sept. 19, at noon.

The facility is being renamed in honor of Charles W. "Bill" and Lyndra Daniel of Birmingham for their significant contribution toward a $3.2 million reconfiguration and renovation project begun last October that transformed the residence hall into three- and four- bedroom suites.

Originally constructed in 1957 as North Residence Hall, the four-story Daniel Hall re-opened in August for the beginning of the fall 2002 academic term. It houses 67 male students.

Each of the suites in the Bill and Lyndra Daniel Residence Hall includes a private bathroom, a common living area, and carpeting throughout. A computer lab is located in the residence hall for student use, and an elevator goes to all floors.

Bill Daniel, who attended The Citadel, is founder and president of Dantract Inc., a real estate investment firm. He has been a member of the Birmingham-Southern Board of Trustees since 1981, serving on its Executive Committee and as a co-chair for Phase II of the college's 21st Century Campaign. Lyndra Daniel served as one of the first chairs of Birmingham-Southern's Arts Council and as a longtime member the college's GALA Committee, currently as a member of its Executive Committee.

"Thanks to the support of Bill and Lyndra Daniel, this greatly enhanced residence hall offers the most modern in on-campus living arrangements for our men students," said BSC President Dr. Neal R. Berte. "A well-rounded and engaging campus life is an integral part of the educational experience at Birmingham-Southern, and it's important that our students have living opportunities that are both modern and rewarding."

Birmingham-Southern is a mostly residential campus, with almost 90 percent of the students living in on-campus housing. The college currently offers suite-style accommodations for women students in its seven-story Bruno and Goodwin residence halls.

The general contractor for the reconfiguration and renovation project was Rives Construction Co. Inc. of Birmingham, and the architect was Gardner Architects of Birmingham.