Memorial Student Center: Past to Present By Margaret Ann Thurmond
Place holder photo- waiting for photo of remodeled MSC building
photos courtesy of the Memorial Student Center
Fall 2012
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photos courtesy of the Memorial Student Center
The fountain is located outside of the Memorial Student Center.
M
ost seniors at Texas A&M University remember the Memorial Student Center well – the students lounging on couches, listening to a fellow Aggie tinker away at the grand piano, and the old building aroma remind students of why the university is a great place. Students could spend hours studying, promoting organizations or engaging in Aggie camaraderie at the MSC watering hole. Once the building was shut down in 2009 for renovation, largely due to the dilapidated structure and out-dated interior, students dispersed throughout the campus and incoming freshman 2
Photo courtesy of Alana Gonzales missed out on the campus gathering-place. “It was frustrating because there are only so many places to hang out and socialize on campus,” said David Lacey ’13, agricultural systems management major. With the renovations finally complete last April, the big question was about to be answered. Would the new MSC uphold the character and charm of the original? The MSC staff wanted to make sure to enhance the Aggie culture apart from just having the latest architecture, Luke Altendorf, director of the MSC said. There will be memorial aspects incorporated as well as celebratory components that feature the AgriLeader
From Left: First Floor MSC, Second Floor MSC
university’s past to present. “It’s kind of like a church,” Altendorf said. “You’ve got this beautiful structure that helps you do wonderful things but without the people it doesn’t happen, it will be like life is breathed back into the building.” The new features included in the MSC will propel Texas A&M University into the modern age of technology and style while weaving in the Aggie spirit. “When [students] walk in to the building there’s going to be a wow factor,” Altendorf said. “I expect the [new building] to be state of the art and contain technologies that sets it far apart from the rest of the buildings on campus” Lacey said. Fall 2012
Photo courtesy of the Memorial Student Center The Hall of Honor displays plaques that tell the story of former students who won seven Congressional medals of Honor, while the Flag Room takes its place in the building again – with new flooring and refurbished lighting. “One of the classes refurbished the Steinway piano that’s going back in the Flag Room,” Altendorf said. And if students aren’t quite ready to show off their musical skills, they can practice in one of the four practice rooms located in the basement. The modern exterior and features will continue to draw students in for generations to come. Students will find their favorite spot around the watering hole again. 3