Campus Center Returns with Grand Opening

More than 150 Pacific Union College students gathered in the campus mall on Thursday evening, October 21, for the highly anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand re-opening of the Campus Center. The opening revealed upgrades funded by the Student Association, PUC administration and Bon Appétit Management Company, the college’s food service provider. College President Heather J. Knight introduced the “wonderful renovation” and declared the center open for use.

The opening attracted an elbow-to-elbow crowd for much of the night. Students enjoyed free snacks and live music performed by the PUC jazz band as they excitedly greeted each other and marveled at the differences made by the renovation. One of these changes included the debut of an on-campus convenience store, known as the “C-Store.” Senior Chelsea Hanson commented, “I like how the C-Store has healthy snack options. There are a lot of people on campus with gluten intolerances and other health issues; now they have some great options.”

The night also unveiled the Pacific Café, which will serve a variety of beverages. Last year, a similar service operated from a rolling cart in a small corner of the center. The Pacific Café is now located prominently in the center of the building in an efficient and permanent island.

Additionally, the Campus Center’s new décor features a fresh, modern and relaxed atmosphere. “This is the fun center of the campus,” explains director of student activities Doug Wilson. “The renovation will help students connect and allow them to socialize in a beautiful and comfortable way.”

Freshmen Noel Aguilar plans to spend a lot of his free time in the campus center this year. He enthused, “The lounge area is cool. I like the loft area with the pool, foosball and ping-pong tables too.”

Students and staff are not the only people happy about these changes; the administration sees the renovations as appropriate to its vision for PUC’s future.

“I want to first thank the students and the Student Association for their determination to do this renovation; I’m really proud of our student senate,” said vice president for student services Lisa Paulson. “I also would like to thank Bon Appétit for partnering with us in this project.”

Knight is also enthusiastic about the changes in the Campus Center as a part of PUC’s movement forward. She said, “I hope this renewed space will inspire students to really enjoy their time here at PUC; it’s one more step in my effort to make the campus sparkle.”