Large gold scissors were used to cut the ribbon leading into the Driscoll Commons yesterday to welcome students to the grand re-opening of the newly refurnished Driscoll Commons.
Funded by AUSA Senate and the University of Denver Parents Council, it was only appropriate that the ribbon cutters be the co-chairs of the Parents Council, Barney and Nancy Schotter and AUSA President Aaron Schwarzberg.
One of the fastest projects to be completed on campus, the renovation of the Commons began last March, when AHUM/SOCS Senator Jamie Grimm suggested that the Senate use the activity fee roll-over (remainder of Senate budget at the end of the year) to begin a project to enhance the campus.
The goal was to create a welcoming environment that students would feel comfortable in utilizing for study, group meetings and interacting with one another.
“Students were interested in the building (Driscoll Center) and wanted to see it as more of a student gathering place,” said John Nichols, Director of the Student Center. AUSA Senate, who had proposed the idea, recognized the roll over money they had to work with was not enough to put their plan into fruition.
Thus, Senate looked toward the Parent’s Council to help with funding. Working with the university, the two groups were able to collect donations from 167 families, raising enough to provide a decorator, new furniture, a new TV and repair for the foosball table.
“I just don’t see what’s changed,” said Jase Roberts, “They added new furniture. Obviously,” replied Kim Roesch, as they departed the food line into the sitting area.
“It was great that they added new furniture, but that was all they did,” said Taylor Beseda, a sophomore. Beseda acknowledged the positive changes made, that the furniture is really the only visible change at this point. “I will definitely use it to study. I used to go to Jazzman’s.” said Beseda.
In 1984, when the Driscoll Student Center was first opened, the constructions of the Pioneer place, more commonly known as Jazzman’s, gave students a place to meet, study and mingle.
Since then, a recent study found that there was a need for more places to mingle on campus. The Driscoll Commons, which was initially used primarily as a grab-and-go eating facility, was targeted as space to be changed.
“Students wanted to stay on campus, but have a place to go that they own,” said Barney Schotter. “It’s not the library, it’s not an academic building. It is the student’s space.”
The ultimate goal is to attract more students to the center. What is not visible upon first glance, is the extended hours, which will go into effect Winter Quarter depending on staffing resources, and use by campus organizations looking for space to hold meetings or study sessions.
“There is a master plan [for the Driscoll Commons], but it needs more funding,” said Associate Provost, Patti Helton. “I don’t know what our next project will be.”
Also in this master plan, is the possibly closing of the Driscoll Commons as a dining facility, due to the construction of Negel Hall, the newest residence hall to be built on campus. Negel Hall will also offer a dining facility. “If they are going to have them both open, they need a certain number of people.” said Helton. The Campus Dining Committee will be conducting research to determine if it is feasible to have three available dining options in such close proximity. The ultimate decision will be up to the Chancellor. “It [Negel Hall] will not be open until 2008, so we have two years to plan.” said Helton. The plan may be subject to change.
Driscoll Commons has only been partially completed at this point. The tray return will be removed to make way for artwork, plants or other decorative touches.
