Going Up. Digging In.

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As my blog readers may recall, when I first became COO, my daughter had one immediate question: “Are you going to be able to fix the escalators?”

The answer now comes with a video.

Monday: Going Up

The first set of new University Hall escalators passed inspection at 3 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9. Final testing is underway, and they will reopen Monday, Oct. 12. We expect the next set to follow in November.

Our crews have been working after 10 p.m. each night to minimize disruptions to classes and keep the project moving. Construction has stayed on schedule, although coordinating the required inspections has been its own adventure.

Tuesday: Digging In

Then, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, the newly renovated Lair reopens, with an expansive salad bar, fresh smoothies, customizable bowls, dedicated plant-forward dining, and refreshed spaces to gather. All part of our all-you-care-to-eat dining experience.

Back in March, I called it “Worth the Wait.” Now you get to see for yourselves.

I’m immensely grateful for our community’s patience during construction. I also want to recognize the Hospitality team for making Roski Dining Hall much more than a temporary substitute. Giveaways, raffles, themed dining nights, including an evening of filet mignon and Handel’s Ice Cream! I can assure you that none of that was part of my dining experience when I attended LMU. Then again, we didn’t have a dozen dining options across campus back then, either. Campus dining has come a long way.

And here’s another benefit to say thanks: meal-plan holders will receive unlimited additional meal exchanges at participating campus locations for the rest of the semester. That includes designated meal combinations at Qdoba, Starbucks, and other campus favorites. Exchanging a dining hall swipe for a meal at Qdoba or Starbucks? That’s a pretty good perk, and exactly the kind of flexibility we offer at LMU. Your meal plan should work with your day, not the other way around. Early next week, we will share more about how we’re saying thank you to members of our meal plan at the LMU Westchester Campus for their patience, grace, and general positivity during a warm and disrupted start to the semester. Good things do come to those who wait with a side of kindness!

Special thanks to VPs Vini Bhargava and Andy O’Reilly for their leadership, to our four construction crews and Facilities teams for working through unexpected complications and some very long nights, and to our Hospitality colleagues for keeping students well fed throughout construction. That 3 a.m. inspection tells its own story about the commitment it took to get here.

And to everyone who has lived with the detours: thanks again. I know the wait has been frustrating, and I appreciate your patience.

Two days. Two reopenings. Things are looking up.

—John

P.S. A few campus dining hacks: If you’re navigating food allergies, sensitivities, or other dietary needs, meet Charlotte Hargrave, our university dietitian. I’m gluten-free myself, so I know how important it is to have good options and someone who can help you find them. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Charlotte.

Qdoba has been especially popular this semester, so we’ve added culinary staff to help meet demand and keep things moving.

Short on time? Order ahead using the Starbucks or Grubhub apps, or let one of our Kiwibot delivery robots bring your meal to you.