This school year, the Student Center has seen many changes. From the revap of the second floor and the new fire pit, the building is starting to have a more welcoming feel for students. The latest addition to the building is the new banner hung over the front ramp. The banner is blue and reads, “High above the ocean’s roar, the blue hawks rise to meet the world,” a quote from Monmouth’s Alma Mater. Students are being exposed to more and more changes in their space, but do they actually like it? Our editors have mixed opinions on this new edition.
“I like the new banners. I think they add some life to the otherwise brick building. The old signage looked outdated, and some of the letters were peeling, so I think it enhances the look of the Student Center,” one editor commented.
“I personally like the one new banner that reads, ‘High above the ocean roar, the blue hawks rise to meet the world.’ I believe it’s quoting our Alma Mater, which I appreciate,” agreed another editor.
On the other hand, one editor stated, “I think the banner looks tacky. The brick look of the Student Center looked clean, now it just looks like a big sticker was slapped on the side.”
“I think it definitely adds something to the building, and I see what they were trying to do but I don’t know how I like it on that building,” another commented.
Whether we like it or not, the banner is there to stay, but does it take away or add to the ambiance of the new Nagy Commons?
One editor explained that they believe the banner enhances the space. “I think they add to the exterior look of the student center, so it doesn’t look so bland and boring.”
“The old, decrepit patio and bland, brick building has been replaced and enhanced, as has the visual appeal of the building itself with the new banners,” agrees another.
“Let’s just say it draws your eye to the student center, but not in the way you might think,” stated another.
Although the slogan pays tribute to Monmouth, some editors did not know the source of this quote.
One editor said, “I think the slogan could have been a lot better. It would have been cool if it rhymed or something creative to really tie into the university. Love that it mentions the ocean and our mascot, but it feels a little random to me.”
While other editors did understand its source, “Yes, I like this slogan because it’s a part of Monmouth’s Alma Mater, which I think a lot of people don’t actually know, even though we hear it around 11:45 every day from the campus bell tower,” one editor explained.
If the renovations of the student center keep up, some editors hope to see some new improvements.
One editor suggested, “I think some cool creative works from students would be cool, especially if it’s Monmouth-themed or something like that. Anything is better than that random slogan.”
“I think having even more seating outside the student center would be nice since, during the warmer weather, I can never find a spot out there!” explained another.
“We need more outlets on the second floor! There is literally one outlet for the whole room. How does that make sense?” one mentioned.
Lastly, one editor commented, “I think the beach banner on the back of the Student Center should be replaced. It’s also old and outdated, and the weather has made it lose color and appeal.”
