On August 3, 2009, Marian University’s newly renovated
Barbara B. Cooling Dining Hall opened for the first time to serve university athletes who are back on campus for fall practice. The renovated dining hall, partially opened to serve summer camps that were held on Marian University’s campus on June 17. The dining hall has seating for 400-420 students; some of the new features include booth seating and a convenient center serving island.
According to Shannon Smith, director of dining services, the renovation of the dining hall started on May 11, 2009 and took around seven weeks to complete. The new design was a collaboration of D3 Development, based in Ohio, and Marian University Campus Dining Services. Smith was involved with planning the project last year.
“We really wanted to update the dining hall for style and versatility, and at the same time bring attention to the values of the university,” said Shannon Smith referring to the mural of the Franciscan values on the north wall.
Smith said, “The designer, Wayne Davis, and I spoke about the mural and what pictures to add and what statement it should make. We wanted something that would carry from year to year and really be at the heart of what Marian University is.”
According to Smith, the dining hall was designed with the Marian University community in mind. While the layout of the dining hall has changed dramatically, the main entrees, pizza, and the grill will remain in a similar location as last year. The large center island will be used for the salad bar, deli, and cooked-to-order food items. Smith noted that campus dining services staff welcome any comments and suggestions for menu options.
The new dining hall will be open to all students, faculty, and staff on August 17, 2009, at the start of the fall semester.