Tucker discusses DU 'Master Plan'
Stephanie Takach
Issue date: 10/24/08 Section: News
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One of the main focuses of the forum was on Drexel's commitment to campus dining.
"We got together and we looked at the University's commitment to student life and student services and one place that we saw holes was campus dining," Rita LaRue, senior associate vice president for business services, said. "So in the past really year, very intensely, we have put together this master plan."
In the next two years, Drexel and Sodexho plan to partner up to spend $5 million on campus dining on Drexel's campus, according to LaRue.
Rita introduced the new Retail Dining Terrace that will be an addition to Kelly Hall and may include a Panda Express, Currito and Chick-fil-A. The terrace has an estimated completion date in fall 2009.
Students will also get to pick the first restaurant that will definitely be in the Dining Terrace. Students will be sent an e-mail around Nov. 17 to vote for their choice.
"The No. 1 vote-getter is guaranteed to be in the dining terrace," LaRue said.
Other initiatives include putting a Starbucks in Ross Commons by fall 2009; a Jamba Juice in the new Recreation Center by winter 2010; and a Taco Bell Express in the Hagerty Library in spring 2009.
LaRue also mentioned the University's new "Take 3" option that allows students the option to select an entrée, side and fountain beverage at Ross Commons in exchange for a meal plan swipe.
"[We] heard students want more options with the required meal plan, more flexibility, more dining dollars," LaRue said. "Then we implemented the Blue Meal Plan."
Initiatives that were implemented this term include AFC Sushi, Take 3 and the new catering program, Chestnut Street Caterers.
Tucker announced Drexel's recent ranking in U.S. News & World Report and said to students that when they graduate, people are going to know this place. He also mentioned the Drexel green rating of 98 on a scale of 99 in the 2008 Princeton Review.
"We're doing much better where we're going," Tucker said.
Tucker also told students about the plan for a 26-story hotel by the train station that will cost an estimated $100 million. The top two floors will contain conference meeting places and a restaurant for the University.
"This will be the wow of campus," Tucker said.
Another surprise for students will come at the Nov. 18 "Battle of 33rd Street," the basketball game between University of Pennsylvania and Drexel.
"I'll tell you what, when you walk in there, you're going to see a big surprise," Tucker said. "I can't tell you what, but you're going to see something that wows you."
Domenic Ceccanecchio, senior associate vice president for Public Safety announced the director of uniformed police operations, Ed Spangler.
"We expect to have uniformed police officers in the very near future," Ceccanecchio said.
Bob Francis, vice president of Facilities discussed the progress of the new Recreation Center and the North Mall, the area on Race Street between 33rd and 34th streets after the street is closed.
Francis said that Facilities is helping to improve the quality of student life.
"Drexel is making itself into a great urban university," Francis said.
In the question and answer portion of the luncheon, students addressed concerns about implementing more bike racks, having more quiet space in the library, and what will be implemented in the new Recreational Center and Integrated Sciences Building.
The event was held on the third floor of the Bossone Research Enterprise Center.
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