Students are now able to work at a collaborative table, donated by the generous Kooiker family, in the Weller Center for Business and International Studies at Central College.
Thanks to the generosity of the Kooiker family, the Kooiker Lab, a 24-hour computer lab in the Weller Center for Business and International Studies at Central College has been updated to accommodate a group collaboration table in addition to individual work stations.
Previously a basic 10-station computer lab, the room has been adapted to support both individual work and group collaboration. The updated space is intended to be a gathering place for students working on group projects with their laptop computers or tablets, as well as a place where they can work individually on a desktop computer.
The collaborative table has a large LCD monitor mounted at one end with one permanent computer connected to the display, but up to five portable computers or tablets can also be connected using cables accessed via cable cubbies embedded in the tabletop. Students can easily share their screens with group members seated around the table by connecting one of the cables to the laptop.
“It’s great to see Central accommodating students with new technology,” said Lori Kooiker Ellingson ’82. “Hopefully many will benefit from renovations like this study lab. Our family is very happy to have continued the legacy that our parents and grandparents started.”
Many members of the Art and Billie Kooiker family donated the collaborative table, including Mark Ellingson ’80 and Lori Kooiker Ellingson ’82, Glenn Fiihr ’72 and Rhonna Kooiker Fiihr ’72, Sharon Kooiker Christenson ’61, Wayne and Sue Kooiker and Nelson and Arloa Kooiker Hymans.
In addition to the table, the Kooiker family also donated electronic locks to ensure the safety of students and equipment. The electronic locks have been added to its doors near the southwest entrance to the building. The lab has been in place since the Weller Center was built in 1999.