Even before the buildings were formally dedicated on September 19, students began moving into the just- completed McLaughlin Cluster and Tuck Mall residence halls. As they caught up with old friends, plugged in refrigerators, and hung posters, they marveled at the dramatic settings, sweeping views, inviting lounges, and spacious rooms in their new homes.
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At McLaughlin on September 12, undergraduate advisors (UGAs) helped first-years move in on a gorgeous summer day. The scene was festive - music was playing, Dartmouth T-shirts were everywhere, and the UGAs took the lead, carrying belongings, directing traffic, and exchanging "high fives" to celebrate completed moves. Though there was still ongoing construction work, such as planting trees, installing bike racks, painting moldings, and the like, attention was focused on the new space.
"Everyone's in love with it," said Amanda Rosenblum '07, a UGA in Berry, one of the six residence halls in the McLaughlin Cluster, as she waved a car through the line. "Students are calling them the nicest rooms ever. They're calling their friends and telling them how lucky they are." When asked what he thought, UGA Ian Dumont '09 responded, as if the answer was obvious, "Have you seen the rooms? They're awesome."
Many students had only seen floor plans of the dorms prior to their arrival, and they weren't sure what the real-life experience would be. "I didn't expect it to be this nice," said Brittany Coombs '10. Michael DiBenedetto '10 said he liked the set-up of the rooms, which includes a divider that allows roommates to choose between having two bedrooms, or one bedroom and a living room. "It's great to have that choice," he said.
The buildings offer spacious lounges for both small and large gatherings. Kitchens are located on every floor, and there are study spaces designated for group and individual work. The buildings' exteriors feature the traditional Dartmouth brick with white trim, and the interiors are equipped with the latest technology. (Over 42 miles of data cable were installed in McLaughlin alone.) Private bathrooms in the hallways answer to 21st-century student preferences, and window seats and other nooks welcome private study or impromptu conversation. The Tuck Mall residences have an atrium that fills with light and connects the two wings. Thoughtful details abound in both buildings - walls are painted shades of melon, sage green, and yellow; extra windows bring light into wide hallways; striking views of the campus and surrounding hills are seen from many vantage points.
With the guidance of Dean of Residential Life Martin Redman, students played an important role in designing the buildings, and one thing that was clearly taken into account was the fact that they wanted more spaces for socializing and studying. "There are more intimate study spaces," says UGA Nova Robinson '08. "It helps create community."
Alisha Levine '07, a UGA in Fahey, and Amy Rolfvondenbaumen '07, a UGA in McLane, the two halls in the Tuck Mall residences, highlight the social spaces. "The lounges are fabulous," says Levine. "All the natural light makes them so welcoming. It gets people out of their rooms and makes them more social." "I absolutely love it," adds Rolfvondenbaumen. "The shape of the windows, the light, the wood paneling... It's beautiful."
Other than being functional and beautiful, the new residence halls increase the College's ability to house undergraduate students who want to live on campus. The Office of Residential Life can now guarantee an entire class-sophomores-campus housing. (First-year students are required to live on campus.) "Our surveys showed that the majority of juniors and seniors who were living off campus wanted to continue doing so, but there were sophomores who wanted to be here," Dean Redman says. "These buildings allow us to meet that need." The new buildings also increase the overall number of singles and suites, which are attractive to upperclass students who want to live on campus.
During the dedication of the new buildings, President James Wright thanked the families who made this renewal to residential life possible. "This is a historic moment," Wright said. "These wonderful spaces help us fulfill our best dreams." Trustee Nancy Kepes Jeton '76 received the buildings on behalf of the Board. "The deep roots of the Dartmouth experience are in the residence halls," she said. "The thoughtful design of these buildings contributes to the quality of the overall campus learning environment."
In his opening remarks at the dedication, Acting Dean of the College Dan Nelson '75 captured a sentiment that was, and is, common to many people who invested in the new buildings. "Our residence halls are not only places to sleep, study, and relax after a day of classes. They're the places where personal values are tested, where assumptions about others are challenged, and where students practice skills for independent living. These halls signify in a tangible and lasting way Dartmouth's commitment to excellence in residential education and to our undergraduate community."
By STEVEN J. SMITH
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