Staff Writer- Emily Anderson
Photo credits: Fin Gustafson
You can’t miss it. The first building most people enter upon arriving at dear ol’ GAC.
Jackson Campus Center. Home to many student needs, including the Caf, Courtyard, Health Services, Gustie Well, Financial Aid, Dean’s Office, the Post Office, and the Book Mark. However, over the summer it was renovated to better accommodate student and faculty needs.
The upgraded space features the removal and relocation of the post office, now located next to the Book Mark. There is a cute little homage to the Post Office’s past with the mailboxes located in the shelving of the Courtyard. This resulted in a change of layout for the Book Mark, which now feels less like a campus merch store, and more like a shop of goodies. There is even a Bath and Body Works pop-up stand, which takes the Book Mark’s prestige up a whole new level.
As for the new courtyard area, the center features a fireplace and about any type of chair or table situation you could imagine. This space turned an awkward and crowded place, where people would fight for a table at lunch, into a comfortable and inviting space. Collaboration on class projects or a shared meal with friends can be easily achieved at the booths. Even Gustavus staff members wish they could office out of the Courtyard.
Our reigning royalty, Courtyard King Adam Boyens, shares that his initial reaction was uncertainty. His role as the Courtyard King is to provide community and continue growing and supporting his kingdom. Upon further reflection, our beloved Courtyard King has grown to love the new space. He hopes that all Gustavus students will find hope, peace, and joy in this space.
The Courtyard Queen Isa Colmenares shared that as a senior in college, it is nice to have a new space to feel motivated in and to further connect with others, especially as other spaces have been exhausted. Although, I’m sure many seniors at Gustavus feel some angst about the renovation only happening during their last year at the college.
“I like the new seating…in the courtyard and especially the plethora of outlets. It’s very open which I appreciate. However, I would have liked to see more of a color variety besides grey and blue hues. I think adding some variety there would have been nice!” another Courtyard regular, Chloe Knuteson stated.
Wednesday hosted the official Courtyard Cafe opening, which hosted live music, snacks, and even a ribbon cutting ceremony. While many of us have already had the opportunity to welcome in this new Courtyard Cafe era, having an official ceremony will mark this new change with happy memories from the get go. So, whatever drama goes down at the Courtyard, you can at least bask in the beauty of its new environment.