SIUC has probably one of the most beautiful campuses in the state.

But what if the Student Center was not a splendid piece of practical architecture? What if Lawson Hall was just a building full of broken seats and what if SIUC’s campus was not covered with miles of beautiful trees and nicely tended grass?

That grim picture is exactly what more than 15 students in the Eurma C. Hays Center after-school tutorial program at South Marion and East Elm streets see daily.

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The after-school facility is a dark, drafty two-bedroom house. The front yard is muddy and untended. The lighting is poor, the once-beige walls are dingy, the desks and tables are worn and there is no color in the entire place.

This facility is one of the three sites that Attucks Community Services has set up to house the Attucks Academic Tutorial Challenge Program. The Attucks Academic Tutorial Challenge is a program designed to help children in the surrounding areas with homework, provide snacks to hold them over until dinner and provide guidance while students’ parents are working.

Saturday at 8 a.m. about 10 African-American SIUC students came together to renovate the learning environment at the Marion Street site.

Delores Albritton, executive director of Attucks Community Services, planned to decorate the site for a while but money was not available.

Shawn Lampkin, a graduate in psychology and tutor at the Marion Street site, and Albritton had not spoken outside of tutor orientation, but their thoughts were on one accord to provide an attractive learning environment for the students participating in the after-school program.

From the time I walked into the place, I have always wanted to redecorate. Cleaning just wasn’t enough, Lampkin said. I knew a lively environment would stimulate learning and most of all, show the students that we care.

Lampkin called on long-time friend Malik Freeman, a graduate student in public administration and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., to help carry out her plan.

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She had been talking about this for a while. Finally, she brought me to the site and I knew that something had to be done, Freeman said.

As a result Saturday morning, Lampkin, Freeman, his fraternity members and others began the Attucks Academic Restoration Project with funds donated by SIUC’s Pan-Hellenic Council and Alpha Phi Alpha.

Primrose, Coronet Orange, Meadow Daisy, Purple Tryst, Blue Melody and Cardinal Red were the colors chosen to paint the dull walls. Light bulbs, bathroom decorations, table covers and curtains were also added to the facility.

The children were not present to witness the makeover of their after-school learning facility, but Albritton said the change will be gladly welcomed.

The restoration should provide a more upbeat environment for the children. A beautiful environment will make both the staff and children feel better, she said.

Freeman feels contributions made to the surrounding community is a duty of RSOs.

It’s important that we give as easily as we’ve received, Freeman said. It’s a big part of fraternity’s and sorority’s being.

Lampkin feels giving back is a necessity.

It’s necessary. The children are sitting next to one of the greatest resources in Carbondale SIUC, she said. I think it’s selfish to gain knowledge and not share it with those who need it.

Factoid:Attucks Community Services has more than 70 volunteers. To get involves with the program or for information, call (618) 549-0341.