As you look around SMU’s campus, you will see many new buildings and walkways that not only add to the beauty of SMU, but also enhance the student experience. Two new additions that stick out to me are the Crain Family Centennial Promenade and the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. The promenade is a brick-lined walkway that connects the southern end of campus to the Hughes-Trigg Student Center. The new Health Center provides comprehensive health care to SMU’s students and also serves as an education space for health related programs. However, one recent addition to campus is one that you wouldn’t notice from the outside.
The renovation of Fondren Library, which opened in 1940, has noticeably improved the aesthetics of the library and at the same time, has enhanced the overall social and academic experience at SMU. The renovation includes a new Centennial Reading Room, a redesigned Learning Commons, a new Starbucks Café, and a Collaborative Computing Area.
During the past 3 years I’ve been at SMU, Fondren was a place wherepeople exclusively went to study for exams or write papers. After this new renovation, it has not only fulfilled its role as a study space, but has now become a hub of social activity. It has been great to sit in the new café area and see my friends and meet new people. If you haven’t checked out the new Fondren, I definitely recommend it!
-Jun-Ho Koh
