More food options and longer hours of service in the Center Dining Room (CDR), the main cafeteria on the Wittenberg campus, welcomed students as they arrived on campus for fall semester. Located in the Benham-Pence Student Center, the CDR has opened to positive reviews after undergoing a two-month, $400,000 renovation this summer.
Among the many improvements are a modern color scheme and design in the food service area, a diverse menu and a new layout that alleviates long lines into the cafeteria. In addition, the CDR’s new hours of operation are 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m., providing greater flexibility for students and their busy schedules.
“It’s nice to be able to find a table and friends before you grab food,” said Courtney Symons of Westfield, Ind., class of 2008.
The CDR, which was last renovated in 1988, offers several new food stations, giving students a wider variety of options than ever before. The choices include a pizza station, a grill that serves hamburgers and french fries, a deli station, a red-hot chef station where students can enjoy made-to-order entrees, and a smart market that includes an extensive salad bar, vegan meal choices and a dessert station.
“The CDR now offers more platforms and options at every meal, including many more healthy choices for students,” said Jessica Back, Sodexho marketing manager at Wittenberg University.
The increased variety of food in the new CDR earned praise from students. Sarah Norman, of Independence, Ohio, class of 2008, enjoys the CDR’s improved deli bar.
“The deli is nice because it is healthier, and they (Sodexho staff members) prepare fresh sandwiches for you, which is something the CDR has never done in the past,” Norman said.
The new hours are also convenient because they allow students with busy schedules to eat in the CDR at any time during the day.
“Not closing the CDR allows students to have a healthy option all day,” Back said.
The three-phase, cutting-edge transformation of the Benham-Pence Student Center dining areas began with a new and improved café-style eatery, Post 95, located on the first floor of the student center. Unveiled in January 2005 after a two-month renovation, the area formerly known as the Commons creates an improved casual dining area with fresher food options surrounded by more inviting seating arrangements.
The final phase of the CDR renovation involves improvements to the seating area, which will take place during the Christmas break in December.
Design aspects of the CDR renovations are managed by Dennis Karbach, project manager for Sodexho’s Campus Services division, in consultation with Chris Gray, regional executive chef with Sodexho, and Tom Glover, dining services executive chef/production manager. The architect is Karen Beasley from Bellefontaine, Ohio, and the contractor is Bellefontaine-based Thomas & Marker, coordinated by Karl McCartney. Millwork will be performed by Mid-Atlantic Finishes of Allentown, Pa.
A Wittenberg committee that includes Dawn Henseler White, director of the student center, Mark DeVilbiss, director of student activities, Dave Nease, crafts superintendent, Donna Picklesimer, director of business services, and Jonathan Scruggs, Wittenberg class of 2006 and president of Student Senate, has been overseeing all of the renovations.
