Deacon Jones Dining Hall reopened with much fanfare
Students gather outside the newly renovated Deacon Jones Dining Hall
Photo Courtesy of Joannah Beckler
The Deacon Jones Dining Hall officially reopened for the semester after extensive renovations.
Before cutting the ceremonial ribbon with golden scissors on Aug. 22nd, Lee President Paul Conn cut the first slice of Papa Conn’s pizza. As the crowd waiting outside the entrance cheered, the newly improved dining hall was finally opened to the public.
The renovations, which started at the end of last semester and continued through the summer, include a new outdoor dining space, more food options and a more open concept within the building.
President Conn raved about the updated amenities.
“It’s the dining hall on steroids. I probably shouldn’t say steroids, but it’s definitely terrific,” Conn told Lee Clarion.
President Conn said the university's students share his excitement about the new space.
“I hope students are going to enjoy hanging out here,” Conn said. “I think more of them are going to want to be on the meal plan, even if they aren’t already on the meal plan.”
Hannah Vickery, a senior interdisciplinary studies major, agreed with President Conn.
“I think I’m going to be here all the time,” Vickery said. “I’m definitely most excited about sitting outside.”
The celebration included free Papa Conn’s T-shirts, free lunch for all Lee students and multiple raffle giveaways.
An Apple watch and a GoPro camera were among the prizes students could enter to win.
Vice President for Enrollment Phil Cook emceed the grand reopening, and said he felt the remodel was a long time coming.
“We’ve gone from taking an outdated, almost antiquated cafeteria and turned it into a first-class, restaurant-type feel for the campus,” Cook said.
Cook noted that the renovation is beneficial to all students – even those who will never experience the old cafeteria.
“We hope this will make eating more enjoyable for everyone,” Cook said. “It’s great for our current students, and of course, it’s going to help us in the recruitment process as well.”
Sophomore communications major Rebekah Mileur said she felt a thrill upon walking into the cafeteria for the first time since last semester.
“This is amazing,” Mileur said, smiling. “I want to do somersaults.”
The current hours of operation for Lee's dining hall are as follows:
Breakfast: Monday - Friday: 7:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Continental Brunch: Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Continental: Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast: Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 10:50 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Brunch: Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sunday: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Dinner: Monday - Friday: 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
