THREE NEW ELEVATORS PUT INTO SERVICE

Three new elevators in Southeast Missouri State University buildings were put into operation Wednesday following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Grauel Building.

The three elevators were installed in Grauel, the social sciences building and the art building over the past six months by Penzel Construction Co. of Jackson.

"We are delighted that our mobility-impaired students and staff no longer will be inconvenienced and will have full access to these buildings," said Kala Stroup, president of Southeast.

"We are pleased that this phase of accessibility on our campus has been completed," said Stroup. "These three elevators are the largest individual projects required for compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). We have completed our ADA assessment and have requested funding from the state for projects that will bring the university into full compliance within a reasonable time period."

The elevator project cost $475,300. Internal shafts were built to accommodate the new elevators in the Grauel and social sciences building. An external tower was erected for the art building elevator.

Bob Killeen, a Southeast student from Leopold, said he was pleased with the project. Killeen became disabled after breaking his back while serving in the Air Force in 1988.

"Southeast is not totally accessible yet, but we have come a long way," he said.

Killeen said now he will be able to attend classes on all floors of the buildings. Previously, some of his classes had to be moved to other classrooms that were accessible.