The finished compass with Dr. Greg Reinhard and MC Gensheimer.

The atrium of Palumbo Academic Center offers students a sense of direction in the form of a tile compass.

The maroon and gold compass was installed in January 1998 after faulty tile adhesive necessitated a new floor. Those responsible for the aesthetic quality of Palumbo seized the opportunity to create a more attractive lobby.

Mary Carol Gensheimer, Assistant Professor of Communications, was asked to come up with design possibilities that would give the building a global-village feel. Soon after, she suggested incorporating a map-style compass.

Gensheimer remarked, “It’s not a new concept, but it shows that we support each other, travel different ways each day and look at things from different points of view.”

Gannon A to Z: B is for bricks