Issue link: http://tcnj.uberflip.com/i/869072
6 FALL 2017 P R A I R I E "The student center is really the living room of the college," says Student Affairs' Sean Stallings, who oversaw the renovation project. The goal of the renovation, he says, was to create a welcoming and versatile space for students to relax, socialize, and study. The college's food service provider, Sodexo, provided most of the funding for the $38 million renovation. When the student center first opened in 1976, it was designed with the commuter student — the predominant type of student at the time — in mind. It was meant as more of a walk-through building, where students could grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat and meet with friends between classes. But as the college became more residential and more students opted to live on campus, the center had a new mission — to support the college as a community. "It is important that a student center grow to meet the needs of students today," says Clayton R. Brower, president of the college from 1971–1980 and the building 's namesake. "My heart and soul is there with the students. I think this will be an exciting change for them." With a warm laugh, he adds, "My building is the nicest on campus now." —Kara Pothier Main entrance, 1976