NORFOLK, Neb. – After nearly two-years of construction and renovation, Northeast Community College opened Union 73 – a building that serves as an important destination for students, faculty and guests in the heart of the Norfolk campus.
The building, formerly known as the Student Center, was renovated and includes a new 27,000 sq. ft addition. It features a learning commons area that is designed to be interdisciplinary as it will incorporate formal and informal student learning opportunities that intentionally integrate learning, technology, the library, and academic support resources and other services.
Now, one of those services, the Hawk Shop, is being profiled in an international publication as part of a feature on college stores that have also gone through renovations or that have opened in new facilities.
The College Store magazine’s 16th Annual Store Design Showcase features the Hawk Shop and two other stores, one in Mexico City and the other in Grand Junction, Colo. It also includes several photos.
“The three campus stores featured … all made it a point to give priority to the customer in planning their renovation projects,” the article states, “with a goal of providing the best shopping experience possible within resources. They focused on delivering the kind of experience today’s shoppers want, especially young adults.”
Previously, Northeast’s Hawk Shop was located on the same floor in the former Student Center, however, it was on the other side of the building. The area now houses the College’s Print Shop/Copy Center. While work was underway, the store moved to a temporary location in Northeast’s former Library-Resource Center from Feb. 2018-May 2021.
“Space was limited during that time, so we utilized the campus warehouse for additional storage and we were more diligent with our textbook inventory,” said Julie Carlson, director of retail and print services at Northeast.
One of the main goals of the new location was to expand services by creating flexible spaces. Carlson said by utilizing interchangeable fixtures, they now have a service counter for course materials pick up.
“Another goal was to create a vibrant retail space that resonates with today’s students,” she said. “With a broader assortment of insignia gifts and Northeast branded gear, and a full convenience section, the Hawk Shop has become the must-visit shop on campus.”
The article on the Northeast Community College Hawk Shop is featured in the Sept./Oct. issue of College Store, published by the National Association of College Stores.
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PHOTO ID: The Hawk Shop, inside Union 73 on the Norfolk campus of Northeast Community College.