The UWM TechStore’s grand opening of its new location in the UWM Bookstore was held this past Tuesday. The ribbon cutting ceremony featured speeches from Vice-Chancellor of Financial Affairs Robin Van Harpen, Director of the UWM Bookstore Erik Hemming, Manager of the Tech Store Paul Gunderson and Chancellor Mark Mone.
“Its been a dream we’ve had for a very long time to make the TechStore and the Bookstore come together to help our students and staff in a robust way,” said Hemming.
The TechStore, which was previously located in Bolton hall, is an official Apple retailer and also Dell products, among other things. Students, staff and faculty are able to buy Apple products at the education discount. They also provide tech support for your products and repair services.
“If you have questions about tech this is the place to come,” said Gunderson.
Planning for the combining of the TechStore and Bookstore formally started about a year and a half ago, though informal discussions have been going on for years according to Hemming.
The TechStore is now working as an independent store inside of the UWM Bookstore. “It is a store within a store,” said Elizabeth Leake, the Communications Manager for the University Information Technology Services.
Funding for the construction was raised over the years by the TechStore’s profits.
“While we are not driven by profit, we do charge enough to cover expenses and to plan for growth in an effort to better serve the campus community,” said Leake.
Chancellor Mark Mone spoke last and tied the opening of the TechStore inside the Bookstore into the mission of the university.
“The outcomes we have here are the product of us working together and taking advantage of the talent we have here for common success,” said Mone. “Student success is at the core.”