 "Photo: Justin Kenward")
 "Photo: Justin Kenward")
 "Photo: Justin Kenward")
 "Photo: Justin Kenward")
Despite the inconvenience of no hot food on campus for about a year and a half, students can look forward to the new Michael Alexander Campus Center in the spring of 2012.
Due to the architectural design, the original plans to break ground in 2009 were pushed back.
Jared G. Ceja, director of Auxiliary Services, is excited about the new center. He says it will offer more options for students and give students a studious and friendly atmosphere.
“The current building is dated,” Ceja said. The project is estimated to cost $9 million.
Funding was provided by bonds that are strictly to be utilized for the campuses construction needs. This construction will not affect student tuition or textbook prices, but is instead paid through local property taxes.
“The project is comprehensive,” said Ceja. Insuring that the new contracting vendors will meet all the legal and health requirements will be thoroughly reviewed. The Auxiliary Department will insure that vendors, such as the Bookstore, will continue to offer student employment.
The two-story building will offer 16,454 square feet of space for faculty, staff and students. The center will bring everything closer with enough room to fit the growing student population.
Not only will students have a new building to enjoy, they will also have access to a new convenience store in the west side of the campus near Wargin Hall.
Students will have the opportunity to enjoy the luxury of a coffee bar and dining in a new cafeteria with music and TV on the first floor.
EOPS (Educational Opportunity Programs and Services), student government and career service will be relocated to the second floor of the new building.
As part of the process, Taco Bell served its last meal on campus on April 29. This will begin the process leading to the demolition of the old cafeteria.
Matthew Mancha, business and anthropology major, would like to see healthier options on the menu. “I like Taco Bell, but we need more nutritional value,” he said. Mancha suggested that a Subway restaurant would be a great choice on campus.
“They better bring Taco Bell back,” said Amy Dickens, who is studying to become a preschool teacher. Dickens relies on the convenience of the fast food on campus. “It’s cost effective,” she said.
Odila Andaya, manager of Taco Bell said that she will miss her job, friends and students.
“I’ve worked here for three years,” she said.
Although Andaya is prepared to move on, she feels bad that she will no longer be working in the upbeat environment of the college.
Despite the sadness of leaving, Jose De La Cruz, Taco Bell employee of three years, is excited about the new building. He says he’ll be fine as he already has a second job.
“Come visit me at Panda Express,” he said with a smile.
Ann Banh, CC’s employee of four years, says that their contract is up and she doesn’t know if she will return.
“I’ll come back,” she said. “If we start a new contract.”
Although the old building is soon to be demolished, Ceja said that the new cafeteria will offer full services, especially if bidders such as Starbucks and The Coffee Bean decide to sign a contract.
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