Alexis Williams | Staff Writer

Last Thursday night marked the grand opening of the newest kitchen in the suites of Buena Vista University (BVU).

Last year, the decision was made to add a kitchen to the popular residence area. Director of Residence Life and Housing Dijon DeLaporte supported the idea of a common area in the suites not only for programming reasons but also to provide a space where students could get away from roommates. The space offers additional study and gathering areas. Briscoe 1 worked well for this common area because of its outdoor entrance and separation from the other suites which will help with the noise. The suite is a prime location as to not cause confusion when looking for the kitchen or public bathrooms.

As students and faculty gathered Thursday in the new kitchen’s grand opening, the excitement was bubbling. The opening was informal with raffle prizes, healthy snacks, and beverages. DeLaporte wanted to have a grand opening to draw attention to the new space and to give students the opportunity to truly enjoy the new area.

“It isn’t in a designated building, and it is centrally located so it doesn’t bother the other residents,” sophomore Miranda Wallace said.

The project on Briscoe 1 began after the 2012-13 school year. As the project finished in September, the space now includes two bathrooms, a study room, a vending machine for soda and snacks, an ice machine, an oven with proper ventilation, a fridge, a sink, and necessary cooking supplies. Additionally, the space includes lounge furniture, study tables, and a smart TV.

“[The space] makes the suites more desirable to students which will increase the merit of the school because students will be more inclined to do well in order to get into the suites,” sophomore Chase Werden said.

Although the current state of the space is just a starting point, it serves its purpose in providing a common area for the residents of the suites and other students. Dr. Meg Mckeon loves the new space and believes it to be a good addition to the residence area, but she also hopes the students will help in giving input to the final touches such as tasteful artwork to add some interest to the space.

The grand opening was a huge success drawing in a large crowd and a lot of attention. The new space will be very useful to the student body and fulfill the many needs of the students.

Photos by Tyson Domingo