Michael Phillips
Staff Writer
Six months after the University of La Verne’s Campus Center opened its doors, opinions remain mixed about whether it has lived up to its expectations.
In an informal survey, 17 out of 31 students said that the Campus Center has lived up to their expectations, while 14 said it has not.
The 40,000-square-foot building was completely finished on June 30.
The entire building cost $26.1 million.
The creation of the Campus Center has consolidated many departments and student organizations.
These organizations include the Office of Admissions, Academic Success Center, Student Affairs, Campus Activities Board, Greek Life and Student Life, among others.
Many students at the University of La Verne praise the Campus Center and all its innovations.
“I love it because it provides me with everything I need: computer labs, food, a place to study, a place to nap and talk to my friends,” Raven Bolston, freshman biology major, said.
Bolston added to say that she visits the Campus Center everyday, in between classes, in the mornings, and after her classes to relax.
This addition to campus has also brought more student jobs to ULV.
The Campus Center has created many work-study and non work-study jobs.
“Students run the building,” said Joey Torres, the Campus Center building manager and a political science major. “To a degree we are the face of the building.”
“I like the Campus Center because its eco-friendly and gives us students a place to meet in a modern setting unlike the past student centers,” Michael Fausto, senior music major, said.
He added to say that it serves its purpose but could have been better accommodated to students.
Before the Campus Center, students congregated at the Leo’s Den as a place to hang out with other college students.
The students could play pool, watch television, purchase discounted tickets or play arcade games.
Before Leo’s Den, there was The Spot, which was located in the Supertents.
At The Spot, students could lounge or buy food.
The goal of The Spot was to be a place for commuters since those who lived on campus had their dormitories and Davenport Dining Hall to hang out.
When the Supertents were remodeled and turned into the Sports Science and Athletic Pavilion, Leo’s Den was created in Leo Hall on the corner of Second and D streets.
Many who remember both of these places consider the Campus Center to be an upgrade from the previous student centers.
“When I first heard about the Campus Center, I thought it would be a student center, where groups on campus could meet instead of meeting in random buildings on campus,” Lauren Brown, a sophomore English major, said.
She said that she feels that the students only have a small portion of the Campus Center to call their own.
Junior criminology major Fatima Suarez agreed.
Suarez “expected a place where students could retreat, and where clubs could meet and be active.”
Torres said that the Campus Center’s focus has been on meeting the student’s needs.
“Our initial scare was that it wouldn’t be the center of campus,” Torres said.
Michael Phillips can be reached at michael.phillips2@laverne.edu.
