Beaming with Pride: Amherst Students Leave their Mark on Future Dining Commons

Neither subzero temperatures nor the stress of the add-drop period could stop Amherst students from flocking to the latest campus attraction: Signing one of the timber panels that will be installed in the new Student Center and Dining Commons. Whether driven by school spirit, a deep desire to leave their mark permanently on school history, or simply the promise of free merch and snacks, students lined up to scrawl their names on a piece of the future dining hall’s skeleton. “Leave Your Mark” wasn’t just another event; it was a celebration of a major construction milestone and a symbolic gesture of student involvement, a rare instance where quasi-vandalism was met with full administrative approval.

The event took place on Wednesday, just outside the Science Center. Students made their way over in a steady flow, eager to leave their mark on the new dining hall project. The location, conveniently situated between the heart of campus and the bustling science buildings, provided an ideal spot for students to take a break from their busy schedules and engage in a moment of campus history. With the promise of free hot chocolate and the chance to be part of the new building’s legacy, it was no surprise the event saw such a high turnout.

“I’m just here for the food,” one student confessed, balancing a cup in one hand while hastily scribbling their name on the beam. But something shifted once they saw their names etched onto the timber panel. “Oh my god, my name is going to be here forever!” they said, a sense of pride quickly replacing their initial nonchalance. What had started as a brief distraction from a hectic morning transformed into something more meaningful, a permanent trace of their time here, captured on a piece of campus that would live on long after the hot chocolate had cooled. After all, who wouldn’t want a permanent mark on campus history? In the end, it was a subtle reminder that we’re all leaving our traces in this place.

The signatures on the timber panels reflected the deep sense of diversity and inclusivity that defines the Amherst community. Students from different backgrounds and experiences left their mark not just in English but in languages that carried personal significance, making the panels a vibrant representation of their identities. This act of signing was a way for students to share a part of themselves with the campus, reflecting how varied their experiences, cultures, and perspectives are.

The new Student Center and Dining Commons will bring about more than just good food. It’s designed to be the heart of campus life. Set to replace the beloved (and sometimes begrudged) Valentine Dining Hall, the facility will feature a variety of dining stations offering diverse meal options, expanded seating to accommodate more students comfortably, and lounge areas for all to enjoy.

The main lounge will serve as a central hub for socializing, studying, and relaxing, while the outdoor terrace provides a comfortable area to connect with friends. For dining, the facility will feature a new dining commons, a cafe located on the corner facing the Quad with indoor and outdoor seating, and grab-and-go areas offering a wide array of meals and snack options to reduce time spent waiting in line.

The student center will also be the home for many clubs, performances, and community gatherings, aiming to create an enriched and connected campus experience. Sustainability is a key focus, with the building being net-zero and primarily constructed using technologically advanced wood, a low-carbon design strategy.

“Leave Your Mark” was a bittersweet reminder that, eventually, Amherst will have to bid farewell to Val and all the “charming” quirks that made it the campus legend it was. It will always have a place in our hearts, even if the food probably never did.