The Big Move 01/13/2010
 
By Nikky Farmakes

AHH!! There are only five more days until the “Lighting the Lantern” ceremony and the big Yellowjacket Union grand opening! The pressure is really on to get the building as ready as it can be for students.  I say ‘as it can be’ because there are many things in the building that are going to be a ‘learn as you go’ type deal for employees and students alike. What has been really great is to finally see the building bustling with people and using the facility. 

Students and faculty have had the luxury of getting to wander through the building for the past week getting a sneak preview of the building due to ‘Jacket Book and Supply and ‘Jacket Java being open for business.  I’ve watched as people meander through the building at leisure, taking in the new space. The typical expression on these people’s faces is one of wonderment. As they pass by me I can only smile in response, my little way of saying ‘Yeah, I know.”  

A lot of really neat things have happened since my last blog. For one, most of the theatrical lighting has been finished.  What does this mean for Yellowjacket Union patrons? It means that in the Atrium (in the main concourse the center of the Union) has a sweet system now for comedians, musicians, and other cool entertainment. In fact, kicking off the YU opening, there will be a musical performance sponsored by the Gender Equity office of a transgender couple, Coyote Grace at 8pm (check out their website at coyotegrace.com.) The Atrium will be used again the next day for that awesome event we all know and love, Grocery Bingo at 7pm.  The finale for the “Lighting the Lantern” activities in the Atrium culminates in the first Open Mic Night of the semester at 8pm. 

Some other neat developments have been the big screen TV’s have been completely installed and are now functional. These TV’s are great because they have an area in the wall to hook up a gaming console, DVD, and VHS into. Also A’viands has started using their food spaces and letting those lucky people who have been working “taste test” the food. As one of these testers, I give a full two thumbs up for the food and the new dining experience.  

It’s been a whirlwind week for me, and though I’m still training and putting together little things, I’m getting really anxious for next week to come.  I’ve gotten (most of) my books, written in my planner where my classes are, got my work schedule for the first two weeks of class, and I really want to see what it will be like when students are using the Union to its fullest capacity.  So (and I can say this because working all break doesn’t really make me feel any remorse for it almost being over) really Tuesday, hurry up and get here already!
 


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