COD president has 'cosmetic' renovation of office
College of DuPage President Robert Breuder is renovating his office.
However, the updates don't include a kitchen, a shower or wine storage equipment as rumored around campus.
"It's mostly cosmetic renovations," the newly minted president said. "There are two offices being created that currently don't exist, and we're adding a conference room."
As for amenities inside the "president's suite," Breuder said workers are updating a private bathroom and a small kitchenette that includes a sink, mini-fridge and a storage cabinet. He hadn't heard the rumors about any wine storage equipment.
Breuder said board of trustees Chairman Mike McKinnon signed off on the renovation work as part of the overall $300 million capital improvement package the campus is currently undergoing. Breuder did not know the price tag for the renovations, calling the cost "inconsequential" compared to the costs of two new buildings and several major building overhauls. Attempts to track down the figure Wednesday were unsuccessful.
Board member Kathy Wessel said she was unaware of the renovation project.
"I will have to see how much is being spent," she said. "I don't know anything about this, so I would hope this will come up to the board at the next meeting."
The board's next meeting is slated for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19.
Critics - mostly online bloggers and anonymous e-mail writers - complained the renovations are being done while Breuder is tightening the financial reins everywhere else. Breuder expected fallout from the decision to renovate the office, but went ahead with the plan because it's been 25 to 30 years since the office space has seen any type of remodeling.
"The president's office is a window to the community, and this is in a building that hasn't been touched for years," he said.
Board Vice Chairman Mark Nowak said he knew of the renovations and understood they were being done to make the president's office more efficient, he laughed off the idea of a shower being added to the office.
"I don't think anyone wants to spend that much time there, including Dr. Breuder," he said. "Besides, I walked through the construction and didn't see any plumbing for any shower in that office."
He said complaints about the renovations are attempts by opponents to undermine the new president.
"There's obviously rumors being spread, so there you go," Nowak said. "These people are trying to subvert him. It just shows they will never be happy and they will always be complaining about something."