New, improved lunch hour finally within reach
Chick-fil-A. Einstein Bros. Bagels. Qdoba.
The names of these three franchises have been tossed around as the newest additions to the University of South Dakota since I arrived on campus. Their labels represent the growth, care and progression of the university. Their soon-to-be central location in the Muenster University Center will begin fulfilling the promise of fantastic food options we never expected to have.
I’ve only been on campus since Aug. 20, and I certainly can’t provide the perspective of the average USD student when the university announced they would be bringing in the chains. I don’t know if the average business major felt the mix of a watery mouth and elation or was more filled with curiosity and skepticism.
But the project is on its final stretch, and I can’t help but daydream about the wonderful lunch hours I will spend clutching Chick-fil-A’s classic spicy chicken sandwich before I head to class.
That black fence surrounding the MUC expansion used to be an eye sore, but I’m starting to see its potential. The empty spaces inside the large window panes between I.D. Weeks Library and the usable area of the MUC will soon fill with students on the grind between classes, exams and in pursuance of the freshman 15.
We can expect copious amounts of flex dollars being spent trying to conquer Qdoba burritos while a spike in bagel popularity sweeps across campus. I expect less snickering toward the Commons will be the norm and the feeling of a community-type atmosphere will see a jump with one central location to grab grub.
This is something I can’t wait for.
Not only will happier lunch hours arrive, but the expansion will be a staple of campus.
On top of Old Main, the Beacom School of Business, the Al Neuharth Media Center and the medical school, student ambassadors could sell the MUC as one of USD’s jewels to high school students dreaming of the best college experience. Administration could highlight the potential of the university and take pride in the environment they created in the middle of campus.
Seems like everyone has something to gain from the project, and it has been great to see everything come together. Few students are going to miss the “unique variety” of the Commons. And I know I’ll be glad not having to avoid construction vehicles on my way across campus.
It’s been a long time coming, but the dream is slowing forming into reality.
