CLARION – Clarion University celebrated innovation Thursday night in an event that marked the completion of its new dining facility and two student housing suite buildings, along with recognition of the 100th anniversary of Becht Hall, destined to become a one-stop Student Success Center.
Eagle Commons, the new state-of-the-art dining facility, hosted the Celebration as the main dining room was also dedicated to former President Paul Chandler. Open with start of the current semester, Eagle Commons serves 2,500 to 3,000 people each day.
“As noted in our printed program for this evening, no education and general funds were used for the construction of this beautiful facility,” said Grunenwald. “Private gifts were very important, including a $1 million gift from Chartwells Educational Dining Services. We greatly appreciate Chartwells’ generosity, and we have its president and CEO, Steven Sweeney, with us this evening.”
Dr. John Cavanaugh, chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, was greeted by applause from students eating dinner in the remainder of the dining room. “We decided to hold tonight’s event in the main dining room of our new Eagle Commons so you could see – and hear – how this phenomenal work of architecture comes to life during the evening meal period,” said Grunenwald.
Several speakers highlighted specific aspects of the Celebration items.
Paul G. Chandler
The Eagle Commons main dining room was named in honor of Dr. Paul G. Chandler, president from 1937-60, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to the institution and its students.
Chandler was a determined president. Taking charge in 1937 as the country battled from the depths of the Depression, Chandler successfully navigated the economic challenges and enrollment swings caused by both World War II and the Korean War during his 23 years at Clarion.
In such demanding times Chandler emphasized a close family relationship for student success. He and his wife often dined with students in the Becht Hall Dining Room. Just as the Paul G. Chandler Dining Hall was a continuation of President Chandler’s association with Becht Hall, the new Paul G. Chandler Dining Room will honor his many accomplishments and commitment to students.
Remembering the Chandlers
As an undergraduate student in the late 1950s, Judy Gardner was a server in the Becht Hall dining room. Before Eagle Commons and Chandler Dining Hall, Becht Hall served as the campus dining room from 1908 to 1966. Among her responsibilities was serving the president, Paul G. Chandler, and his wife, Kathleen.
“When I was a freshman at Clarion in 1958 I started working part-time as a dining hall server in Becht Hall,” Gardner told those in attendance. “One of my responsibilities was serving the president and his wife during the evening meal. I remember Dr. Chandler as quiet, reserved and with a dry sense of humor and his wife, Kathleen, was very formal and strict.
“Dr. Chandler and his wife ate most evening meals with the students. They had a table in the back, giving Mrs. Chandler an excellent view of the entire dining hall. If there were anything out of place – a chair or fork, for example – she would see it. You have to remember, college life was much more formal than it is today, and Mrs. Chandler made sure the dining hall operated with decorum.
“There were three sittings for the evening meal – each served family-style. The men would wear jackets and ties. The women wore dresses or skirts. Students were discouraged from sitting with the same classmates every evening. The dining experience was part of our education, teaching us how to mingle and interact with different individuals.”
Gardner graduated in 1962 and began working at the Clarion Assistance Office, where she continues to work today as the income maintenance casework supervisor.
Making the suite life
New student housing at Clarion University is possible because of the Clarion University Foundation, Inc. emphasized Chuck Leach, president of the Foundation Board. During the last five years, Foundation housing projects have added over 1,000 new student beds, replacing some older dormitory-style housing.
“I am very pleased that the Foundation was able to help the university expand its student housing options with the completion of the Campus View and Valley View suites,” said Leach. “The project is financed through the Foundation with bonds to be repaid using student rental fees.
“The Foundation, formed in 1969, is designated by the university to receive and manage the private sector gifts that support a host of university activities and programs.”
Living the suite life
Senior Kayla Beck didn’t plan to live in the new Campus View Suites, but she’s glad she changed her mind.
“As an upperclassman,” said Beck, “I had planned to get an apartment. But, as my schedule got busier I was concerned about the time that would be required for me to go back and forth from my off-campus apartment. It turned out that the suites was a perfect opportunity for me. I could have the best of both worlds: a spacious apartment-like experience that is centrally located on campus. I live in a four-person suite with three roommates, and the experience has been great.”
Pumping new life into Becht Hall Brian Perkins, president of Student Senate, appreciates the new direction of Becht Hall after its first 100 years.
“When I heard that Becht Hall would become the centralized hub for the vast majority of student services,” said Perkins, “I began to think about how students would respond to this development. I think they will love it!
“Students will not have to go to many buildings across campus to get the various facts and forms necessary for a successful student experience. The coordinated approach of the Student Success Center will reduce hassle and – most importantly – save students time.
“On behalf of Clarion University students – past, present, and future – thank you.”
Capstone sponsors event
Capstone Development Corporation sponsored the Celebration Innovation Clarion event. Grunenwald recognized representatives from Capstone, including its president, Leland Keller; president of on-campus management, Doug Brown; executive vice president of marketing, Alton Irwin; and construction manager, Courtney Corley. Capstone was a primary team member for the construction of the Campus View and Valley View Suites.
“Thank you all for being with us this evening as we celebrate the innovative facilities that are home to Clarion University’s high-quality programs and services,” concluded Grunenwald.