With the pending arrival of 172 sets of new dorm furniture for its Durham Hall, Ashford University found itself with rooms full of outdated furnishings.

“This was still usable furniture, so we didn’t just want to haul it to the landfill,” said Gerry Freudenberg, Dean of Students.

The University contacted several area non-profit organizations it thought might be interested in the beds, dressers and chairs. So far, the YWCA and the Victory Center have responded and will take some of the used furniture for their programming needs.

Freudenberg said other organizations interested in obtaining the furniture, should contact him at 242-4023, ext. 3501.

When students return to Ashford’s campus in the fall, they will find their Durham Hall resident rooms outfitted with all brand new furniture and the entire main lounge will be carpeted. The new carpet will be the same brand and color that was installed in the end lounges last year.

University Loft Inc. won the bid to furnish new bunk beds which can be lofted,

dressers, bookshelves and chairs in the residence hall.

Freudenberg said, “This upgrade to our facility again shows the commitment Ashford has to its students. This is state-of-the-art residence hall furniture and will make living in Durham Hall more comfortable than ever.”

University Loft brought samples of its products to campus in mid-May and staff

and faculty members who inspected the product line were impressed.

Melissa Wiebenga, Director of Student Activities, said, “The residents of Durham Hall will love this furniture.”

Athletics Director Meg Schebler said, “This is one more sign of the direction this University is headed. I’m excited to be a part of this school.”

The new furniture is scheduled to be delivered during the first week of August. Any of the remaining old furniture will be sold during a University Garage Sale later this summer.