Founded in 1959, the University of Mary is a private, Christian, Catholic, Benedictine college that welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. For almost 60 years, it has served the religious, academic and cultural needs of its students from near and far. The university places a high value on providing a sense of community for all—but before its recent construction of the Lumen Vitae University Center (LVUC), there was no common space for students, employees and guests to gather. The university wanted to create a friendly environment that offered a place for all types of campus activities. With multiple levels, rooms and purposes, it was clear that the completed center would need a lot of new furniture to fill it. Although a number of companies were considered for the job, only HON and Innovative Office Solutions were able to offer an option for every need and space in the center. And in the end, HON and Innovative provided the university with a broad suite of contemporary furniture solutions to help bring the building to life.

For years leaders at the University of Mary dreamed of building a hub where students, faculty and community members could come together to learn, relax, eat and study. Finally, in 2017, the Lumen Vitae University Center became a reality. When it came to furnishing the giant new space, the university called on several companies to compete for the job. Each vendor was given 600 square feet and 25 minutes to display its products and convince the committee that it was the right choice. In the end, HON and Innovative’s ability to offer furniture solutions for every need and space in the center secured its partnership in the project.

Through the overhaul, HON and Innovative helped transform the LVUC into a focal point for bustling campus life. Cozy lounge seating offers an inviting space for group meetings, solo study and catch-up sessions throughout common areas. Durable, multipurpose tables provide a variety of surfaces for dining, socializing and schoolwork in the 24/7 Crow’s Nest restaurant. In each distinct area of the center, HON and Innovative provided furniture solutions to turn every empty space into a comfortable, attractive and useful environment for students, faculty and guests.

“We were striving to create a hub of activity where our students, faculty, staff and friends can gather for generations to come,” says President Shea. Today, with help from HON and Innovative, the center is modern, versatile and welcoming—with plenty of room for fellowship, fun, food and study. “It is a success beyond our hopes,” he concludes. Now, with an environment that’s freshly furnished, inviting and full of flexible spaces for living and learning, the LVUC truly is the heart of the University of Mary’s campus.