(Washington, D.C.) Thanks to a generous $6 million gift from an anonymous donor couple, the Catholic University campus will soon be transformed through the creation of a new student dining hall. The new facility represents one of the highest priority projects to improve and enhance the undergraduate student experience.
"When we think about campus facility improvements that can dramatically improve the living and learning experience of our students, a new dining facility is right at the top of our list,” said Mike Allen, vice president for student affairs.
“The dining experience on college campuses has changed dramatically in the last decade. Venues that previously were designed to provide an efficient way to feed large groups of students have evolved into dynamic, modern facilities that include a diverse offering of healthy and comfort food options, along with ample space to allow for a college community to gather together for meals and other activities.”
The gift is a critical investment that will enable Catholic University to ease crowding, expand food options, and improve the entirety of the student life experience. Envisioned as a dramatic, sun-filled, and welcoming open area more than double the size of the current facilities, the new dining hall will provide a contemporary space with display cooking, ample seating, informal student gathering space, and a prime location near first year housing.
"We take pride in the residential campus experience we offer our students, and the addition of a state-of-the-art dining facility is a significant enhancement,” said Chris Lydon, vice president for enrollment management and marketing. "Improving all aspects of the student experience supports our efforts to better serve our campus population and sends an important message to prospective students about our commitment to campus life."
“The generosity of these donors directly benefits our undergraduate student population,” commented University President John Garvey. “The new dining hall will be a tremendous blessing to our students and shows the University's commitment to transforming the whole of student life.”
The project has entered the formal planning process, and University officials have initiated the selection process to identify nationally renowned architectural firms who have recently completed a similar project. The dining hall facility’s grand opening is envisioned in 2020.
“With this incredibly generous gift, Catholic University will now have a state of the art facility to provide a quality dining experience for our students,” said Allen. “The positive impact on our students and campus community will be felt for decades to come.”
MEDIA: To schedule an interview or find out more, contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@cua.edu or 202-319-5600.
