Reflections Magazine Issue #61 - Spring 2004 | Page 5

Farver Labs A Favorite
With Siena Teachers
And Students
Take a stroll through the Siena Heights library just about any time of the day and
you’ll see the Farver Education Technology and Curriculum Labs in use.
The labs, complete with computers, Smart board, classroom presentation software, collection of children’s literature and comfortable furnishings, were the result
of generous support from Herb and Connie ’83 Farver. The Adrian couple’s gift
makes a difference in how we can educate our students and prepare them for
their careers.
The Farvers, known for their philanthropic support in Lenawee County, chose to
designate a portion of their gift to The Campaign for Siena Heights University to
the curriculum labs. Not only did their gift lead to the creation of the labs, but it also
provides the means for increasing the holdings in the library for years to come.
“Growing up, my mother took us to the library Saturday mornings. Every week,
I took out six books – that was the limit. Going to the library was ritual,” Connie
Farver said when she and her husband gave their gift to the Siena.
Years later, Connie found herself routinely visiting Siena’s library when she was
completing her degree. “I loved studying the Siena’s library. It was peaceful and
quiet, just the right atmosphere for learning, “ she said.
The plaque outside the curriculum labs reiterates this fondness. It reads in part
that “The Farvers believe a library is an essential source for teaching and learning.” The frequent use of the space shows Siena faculty and students agree.
The facility is heavily scheduled for class sessions and is used by students on an
individual basis.
“I use it for a lot of seminars because the environment leads to good discussion,”
Mary Beth Leibold, coordinator and assistant professor of sport management, said.
“It’s a great place to bring class together at the round tables for discussion and the
technology is nice in there.”
Leslie Peters, a junior marketing major from
Ubly, studies in the Farver Education Technology
and Curriculum Labs.

Having computers close by and the library setting are also bonuses, Mary
Beth said.
Dee Crane, associate professor of teacher education and coordinator of the undergraduate teacher education program, agrees.
“Probably the most important aspect is the very large children’s literature collection
and K-12 curriculum that surrounds the room,” Dee said. “The material is just right
there when they’re planning lessons. We can use it, we can play with it, and we
can design lessons with it.
“Lesson planning there is exceptional and it’s a very teacher-friendly space. It’s
just beautifully designed,” Dee said. “The round tables are really conducive to
group work and interaction and it’s right next to the library so we can use library
resources. The technology lab is close by, too, so we can model technology use
for our students. With the master teacher computer space, we can show it and
students can try it at their computers.”
Although the teacher education program schedules the space once or twice a day
for classes, it’s still used by individuals, too.
“The nice part about that space is K-12 teachers are coming in to borrow the materials,” Dee said. “As our students share their experiences and resources, the area
teachers have been coming in and actually checking out of the library many of the
curriculum materials, including the children’s literature.”
Thus, the labs have not only proven valuable for students and their professors,
but for those in the field, too.
Siena is grateful to the Farvers for giving a generous gift that has enabled the
University to make a difference for our students. Not only will the library remain
one of Connie’s favorite places, but it’s clear the curriculum labs in the library are
a favorite with Siena teachers and students, too.
Reflections Spring ‘04 - Campaign News

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