For the past few years, Eaglebrook’s new dining hall has been under construction. We finally broke through this stage of campus renovations at the start of last summer break. In the new dining hall, we have a much larger, brand-new kitchen, a permanent indoor snack area, a new package room, the Learning Kitchen, and the Skybox.

The different setup between Gibbs Dining Hall and this new one enables students to filter in and out of the dining hall more smoothly. Though the furnishings from Gibbs have been partly reused, the overall vibe of the place has completely shifted. It feels more open to the outside, thanks to those marvelous, brand-new floor-to-ceiling windows.

I do say that the comfy sofas in the new snack area are a large upgrade from the benches in the old one. The package room also got a makeover; it’s been noticeably enlarged. However, even with the increase in size, the lines for packages still pile up for what seems like forever.

The new learning kitchen has already been praised by many students. The Cooking Club and the new cooking class have already been taking advantage of it. Despite the use, the teaching kitchen is clean, organized, and stocked with ingredients every day.

The Skybox is that handy-dandy space at the top of the dining hall steps, right where the main entrance is. It’s used to hold committee meetings and school visits, and it’s simply a great place to be. Its view of the hills and the small patch of grass in front of the dining hall cements it as one of the most beautiful places on campus, and that is no easy title to claim.

In summary, our new dining hall is not just a place to eat and drink, but also a place to learn, talk, and connect with each other. It serves as the foundation for the next phases of improvements in campus life. So, next time you’re eating Chicken Kiev in the new dining hall, think to yourself how much more this place has to offer.