The new Collis Center was the center of attention yesterday as curious students and visitors crowded the facility and gave the renovations mixed reviews.
Although many of the facilities planned for Collis have not opened yet, campus response to the new student center was enthusiastic, judging by the number of hungry students testing the Collis fare during the lunch hour yesterday.
Students were concerned, however, that Collis still will not be able to satisfy their demands for an alternative social setting on campus.
"There's not enough seating. It's still too small," Heather Jones '94 said. "When I came for lunch at 2 p.m. it was still packed."
Michelle Darter '94 agreed that Collis might not be able to accommodate all the students who wish to use the facilities.
"But it is gorgeous," Darter said. "I can't wait until the pub opens."
It wasn't just the Collis Cafe that was popular with students. The pool room was full of people undaunted by the $4 per hour charge for use of the pool tables.
"I don't know why they're charging us," Claude Gayle '96 said. "But I am quite pleased with it. It looks as if the eating part could be overcrowded. There seems to have been no improvement in that area from the old Collis."
While upperclassmen were excited to have Collis back, freshmen were given their first taste of the student center.
"I love the furniture," Joan Huh '97 said. "It has a very traditional air about it. It seems like it has been here as long as the college itself."
Other freshmen also commented on the feel of the new building.
"The architecture is very friendly," Kathleen Valenzuela '97 said. "It's very homey. It has a comfortable, cozy atmosphere. It gives students a place to hang out."
Rey Rittner, the manager of the Collis pub,the Lone Pine Tavern, said the student body was very fortunate to have such a building designed specifically to cater to them.
"It's a lovely building and will be a really fun space," Rittner said.
