--- title: "Project Showcase: Hugel Welcome Center (Lafayette College)" description: Thanks to VacuMax™ VIG by Vitro, the Hugel Welcome Center in Markle Hall at Lafayette College provides a warm reception for all. image: https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Hugel%20Welcome%20Center%201.jpg --- [![VCN_Hor_RGB](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VCN_Hor_RGB.png?width=320&height=56&name=VCN_Hor_RGB.png "VCN_Hor_RGB")](https://blog.vitroglazings.com/vcn) # *Vitro Certified*® Newsletter ### The *Vitro Certified*® Newsletter is a quarterly newsletter for glass fabricators, laminators and window manufacturers within the *Vitro Certified*® Network. For more information about the *Vitro Certified*® Network, visit Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG Glass) at [VitroGlazings.com](https://www.vitroglazings.com). --- ## Project Showcase: Hugel Welcome Center (Lafayette College) Posted by [Vitro Architectural Glass](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/author/vitro-architectural-glass) on Dec 20, 2024, 12:09:22 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) **HUGEL WELCOME CENTER IN MARKLE HALL AT LAFAYETTE COLLEGE** EASTON, PA *![Hugel Welcome Center 1](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Hugel%20Welcome%20Center%201.jpg?width=703&height=468&name=Hugel%20Welcome%20Center%201.jpg)* *The Hugel Welcome Center benefits from energy savings and reduced carbon emissions, thanks to extraordinary  R-values from* VacuMax*™ VIG.* | **Vitro Architectural Glass Products:** | *VacuMax™* Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) *Solarban®* 90 Glass *AviProtek® E Glass *– in conjunction with Walker Glass | | --- | --- | | **Architect/Designers:** | ALMA Architecture, LLC  Philadelphia, PA | | **Owner:** | Lafayette College | | ***Vitro Certified®* Fabricator:** | Glass Enterprises, Inc. Bensalem, PA | | **Glazing Contractor:** | National Glass & Metal Company, Inc. Horsham, PA | | **General Contractor:** | DVP Construction Group Ringoes, NJ | | **Photographer:** | Jim Cunningham | ***Project Background***  The recently renovated Hugel Welcome Center, located within Markle Hall on the Lafayette College campus, provides a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors alike. Completed in September 2023, this modern facility features spacious areas filled with natural light that create an inviting ambiance. The design of the center reflects the university’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices throughout the renovation. With its state-ofthe-art amenities and warm reception, the Hugel Welcome Center truly serves as a cornerstone for campus interaction and a celebration of the college’s values. “In the world of admissions and campus visits, first impressions can mean the difference between a prospective student becoming an applicant or an admitted student enrolling at Lafayette,” said Forrest Stuart, vice president for enrollment management. “We expect between 6,000 and 7,000 prospective students to visit Lafayette each year, and that translates into approximately 15,000 to 20,000 people when family members are included. The Hugel Welcome Center serves as the front porch for the College, and we can be proud of the first impression this facility offers.” 1 The Hugel Welcome Center features one of Vitro’s highest-performing products, *VacuMax*™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG), which delivers world-leading R-values of up to R20, rivaling the performance of traditional walls. It is the first U.S. project to boast this innovative insulating technology, greatly enhancing thermal insulation capabilities and energy savings and reducing operational carbon. *VacuMax*™ VIG delivers thermal insulation performance three to five times better than conventional insulating glass units and up to 20 times better than monolithic glass. *VacuMax*™ VIG units are comprised of two lites of 4mm (0.16”) glass separated by a non-leaded proprietary metal edge seal and a vacuum space. The units’ slender design and light weight make them easy to integrate into traditional glazing systems, window frames or curtainwall applications. *VacuMax*™ VIG is often used to replace monolithic glazing in older buildings, making it well-suited for retrofit projects. The *VacuMax*™ VIG units at the Hugel Welcome Center feature *Solarban*® 90 solar control low-e glass by Vitro on the second surface and *AviProtek*® E pattern #217 bird-friendly glass on the first surface or outermost lite. *AviProtek*® E glass, created in conjunction with Vitro partner Walker Glass, has an acid-etched pattern on the exterior surface that maximizes glass visibility to birds and helps prevent collisions. The Hugel Welcome Center also boasts a pedestrian walkway featuring a vibrant display of native plants and landscaping. This walkway creates an inviting path for visitors as they transition from the upper level of the Markle Hall parking deck to the first level of Markle Hall. The space also features new furniture, decor, and video screens that feature quotes from Lafayette students, faculty, and alumni. At Lafayette, the recent renovations have not only garnered approval from the admissions staff but have also received enthusiastic feedback from the students employed in the admissions office. Many of these students have expressed their satisfaction with the updated facilities, highlighting how the improvements have enhanced their work environment. Working in admissions is one of the most sought after on-campus job opportunities, attracting over 100 students in roles such as tour guides, office assistants and senior interviewers. The renovations have made their tasks more comfortable and efficient, contributing to a positive and dynamic work atmosphere. The Hugel Welcome Center was made possible thanks to a bequest from Charles “Charley” Hugel ’51 and his wife, Nina. With its recent renovation, the Hugel Welcome Center is now a remarkable introduction for prospective students and their families, leaving a lasting impact and providing a comprehensive first look at the campus. “Lafayette was in need of a welcome center that invited not only prospective students into the fold, but also alumni, guest speakers, and the like,” Stuart said. “The Hugel family helped Lafayette fulfill that need.” 1   For more information about *VacuMax*™ VIG from Vitro Architectural Glass, visit [vacumaxvig.com](http://vacumaxvig.com). For more information about all other Vitro products, visit [www.vitroglazings.com](http://www.vitroglazings.com) or call 1-855-VTRO-GLS (887-6457) [1 *https://news.lafayette.edu/2023/10/03/newly-renovated-hugel-welcome-center-provides-warm-welcome-for-campus-visitors/*](https://news.lafayette.edu/2023/10/03/newly-renovated-hugel-welcome-center-provides-warm-welcome-for-campus-visitors/) ©2024 Vitro Architectural Glass. All rights reserved. *Solarban*® and *Vitro Certified*® are registered trademarks owned by Vitro.  *VacuMax*™ is a trademark owned by Vitro. *AviProtek*® is a registered trademark owned by Walker Glass. #### Newsletter Archive:  - [June 2026](https://info.vitroglazings.com/a-trusted-and-proven-partnership-2) - Project Showcase: Hillman Library, Pittsburgh, PA - Technical Forum: *EcoArmor*™ Protective Topcoat  - Get to Know Vitro: Meet Johnny Lorigan - [March 2026](https://info.vitroglazings.com/a-toast-to-25-years) - Project Showcase: Lincoln Yards, Chicago, IL - Technical Forum: *Vitro Certified*® Network Online Training Resources - Get to Know Vitro: Honoring Women’s History Month - [December 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-drives-meaningful-progress-1) - Project Showcase: Nashville Airport Hilton, Nashville, TN - Technical Forum: The Growing Role of Glass Reflectivity in Buildings - Get to Know Vitro: New Roles for Chris Fronsoe and Trevor Hall - [October 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-drives-meaningful-progress) - Project Showcase: 700 Santana Row, San Jose, California - Technical Forum: *BirdSmart*® Bird Safe Glass Research & Testing - Get to Know Vitro: Logan Tautkus-Berry - [June 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/were-a-glass-half-full-kind-of-company) - Project Showcase: FirstHealth Cancer Center - Technical Forum: FramingFactor™ - Get to Know Vitro: Ben Rider - [March 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/2025-has-already-taken-off) - Project Showcase: National Aviary, Pittsburgh, PA - Technical Forum: Bird Safe Glass Advancements and Trends - Get to Know Vitro: Dan Plotnick - [January 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/2024-was-a-certified-success-for-vitro-architectural-glass) - Project Showcase: Hugel Welcome Center (Lafayette College) - Technical Forum: Center of Glass vs. Framing Performance - Get to Know Vitro: Patrick (PJ) Campbell - [September 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-certified-network-members-q3-check-in-1) - Project Showcase: RIDC Mill 19 - Technical Forum: Methods for Improving U‑Value - 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Project Showcase: Pittsburgh Produce Terminal  - Technical Forum: Framing and Performance Values  - Get to Know Vitro: Chris Fronsoe  - [April 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q1-2023-update-for-vitro-certified-members) - Project Showcase: Pikes Peak Summit House  - Technical Forum: Color Rendering Index  - Get to Know Vitro: Heather Brion  - [December 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/fourth-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members-2022) -  Project Showcase: 345 4th Street  - Technical Forum: Vacuum Insulating Glass FAQs  - Get to Know Vitro: Andre Kenstowicz  - [September 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/third-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: 70 Rainey  - Technical Forum: Codes & Climate Zones  - Get to Know Vitro: Dan Sutton  - [July 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/second-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Moody Center - Technical Forum: *Titan* oversized glass - Get to Know Vitro: Annissa Flickinger  - [March 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: KOI Sky Residences  - Technical Forum: Embodied Carbon  - Get to Know Vitro: Mike Hammond  - [December 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/fourth-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members?hs_preview=wuFvkqXz-68122100225) - Project Showcase: Watershed  - Technical Forum: *Vitro Certified*™ Network Professional Training Modules  - Get to Know Vitro: Adam Polcyn  - [October 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/committing-to-innovating-sustainably) - Project Showcase: Congress Square  - Technical Forum: *VacuMax*™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG)  - Get to Know Vitro: Nathan McKenna  - [June 2021](https://1977288.hubspotpreview-na1.com/_hcms/preview/content/48387080968?portalId=1977288&_preview=true&cacheBust=0&preview_key=bfZWBlMX&from_buffer=false) - Project Showcase: McMaster University  - Technical Forum: BIPV Q&A - Get to Know Your New Sample Order Website - 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Get to Know Vitro: Paul Bush  - [September 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-solarban-acuity-opportunity) - Our *Solarban*®-Coated *Acuity®* Glass Journey  - Technical Forum: Specifying Heat-Rated Glass  - Project Showcase: Kinects Tower  - Get to Know Vitro: Julia Giba  - [July 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/invested-in-our-people) - Technical Forum: Silicone Strength  - Get to Know Vitro: Joanne Funyak  - Project Showcase: 181 Fremont  - [March 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/two-new-chapters) - Technical Forum: Eliminating the Stress Over Strain Patterns  - Project Showcase: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine  - Get to Know Vitro: Carlisle, PA  - [January 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/eyes-on-quality) - The Hallmarks of Product Quality  - Vitro Survey: Insights on General Contractors  - Get to Know Vitro: Salem, Oregon  - [August 2018](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-future-is-here) - Technical Forum: Diagnosing Glass Breakage  - Project Showcase: UCSD Jacobs Medical Center  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Carlisle, PA  - Gearing Up to Transport Jumbo Glass  - [March 2018](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-certified-newsletter-march-2018) - Technical Forum: Focusing Beyond Glass Construction in Specifications  - Project Showcase: BioSteel Centre  - Technical Articles to Share with Your Customers  - Vitro, on the Road  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Wichita Falls, Texas  - [November 2017](https://info.vitroglazings.com/365-days-in) - Technical Forum: Temporary Film Fabrication Guidelines  - Project Showcase: ProMedica Health and Wellness Center  - Lunchtime Training Seminars  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Fresno, California  - [August 2017](https://info.vitroglazings.com/introducing-the-vitro-certified-newsletter-1) - Technical Forum: New Vitro Glass EPDs Are An Industry First  - Project Showcase: 7 Bryant Park  - Your Show, On the Road  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: A Preview  #### Recent Stories:  [![Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png?width=353&name=Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png "Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png")](http://www.vitroglazings.com/en-US/Glass.aspx)