As anticipation builds for the unveiling of the new dining hall additions, students from Associated Students of Saint Mary's College (ASSMC) were invited to preview the work completed thus far. The tour, led by Sodexho Manager Matt Carroll, went through the new, downsized kitchen, new faculty dining hall, and brand new office facilities for Sodexho employees. The current kitchen will be transformed into a food court, fully furnished with various stations that will be used for exhibition meals. The smaller kitchen will be used for prep work, allowing more "made to order" meals at the exhibition stations. The faculty dining area features vaulted ceilings and carpeted floors. Many faculty members will be quite happy finally getting their own dining space back. The office areas will enable Sodexho employees to relocate from their current place in the trailer behind Saint Jerome Hall, meaning more space, and more privacy. Construction has been on schedule thus far, with a projected completion date of September 30. Upon the start of term in the fall, Sodexho plans to host various barbecues, buffets in Dryden, and catered events in the Soda Center for students to build up hype for the new dining hall facilities. Prizes and giveaways will also be offered at these various dining events. For now, all we can do is wait and see what is in store for the new building; but those on the tour seemed to feel the campus will be pleased with the results.
