Grace College Plans New Dining Hall
April 15, 2021 at 10:48 p.m.
By Staff Report-
“If there is one thing that has become undeniable to me in the last year, it’s that we are designed to be together,” Katip said. “Our campus is absolutely thrilled bout this Alpha Dining project because it underscores our mission to give students a place to come to the table and find belonging in the body of Christ.”
The initial funding for the project comes from the school’s ASPIRE campaign, completed in 2019. One of the campaign objectives was to invest in spaces for students to gather. Through ASPIRE, and many generous donations since, $5.1 million has been raised to date toward a $5.5 million fundraising goal. The school plans to raise the final $200,000 on its annual Day of Giving on April 29.
The renovation will include a floor-to-ceiling overhaul, expanded kitchen space and added dining stations. This will include a new food station, “Simple Servings,” that will provide daily options that are allergen-free and address a variety of dietary restrictions.
Alpha Dining will be expanded through the project, increasing its capacity from 360 to 420. The project also will bring the addition of new spaces for students to gather, including patio seating where 25 to 30 students will be able to enjoy the outdoors, as well as a new lobby space, complete with a large fireplace.
“We want to make more space in Alpha Dining for the conversations and relationships that shape students’ minds and hearts,” said Aaron Crabtree, associate vice president and dean of student affairs. “We want to improve the service students receive so that their dietary needs are met and elevate the atmosphere so that our students feel as comfortable in the space as they would if they were at home in their own kitchens.”
“If there is one thing that has become undeniable to me in the last year, it’s that we are designed to be together,” Katip said. “Our campus is absolutely thrilled bout this Alpha Dining project because it underscores our mission to give students a place to come to the table and find belonging in the body of Christ.”
The initial funding for the project comes from the school’s ASPIRE campaign, completed in 2019. One of the campaign objectives was to invest in spaces for students to gather. Through ASPIRE, and many generous donations since, $5.1 million has been raised to date toward a $5.5 million fundraising goal. The school plans to raise the final $200,000 on its annual Day of Giving on April 29.
The renovation will include a floor-to-ceiling overhaul, expanded kitchen space and added dining stations. This will include a new food station, “Simple Servings,” that will provide daily options that are allergen-free and address a variety of dietary restrictions.
Alpha Dining will be expanded through the project, increasing its capacity from 360 to 420. The project also will bring the addition of new spaces for students to gather, including patio seating where 25 to 30 students will be able to enjoy the outdoors, as well as a new lobby space, complete with a large fireplace.
“We want to make more space in Alpha Dining for the conversations and relationships that shape students’ minds and hearts,” said Aaron Crabtree, associate vice president and dean of student affairs. “We want to improve the service students receive so that their dietary needs are met and elevate the atmosphere so that our students feel as comfortable in the space as they would if they were at home in their own kitchens.”
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