“font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;”>This

semester Aggie Wings has been removed from the Memorial Student

Union and replaced with William Cafeteria’s former Pizza Hut.  This

is just one of many changes in store for the Memorial Student

Union

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This semester Aggie Wings has been

removed from the Memorial Student Union and replaced with William

Cafeteria’s former Pizza Hut.  This is just one of many changes in

store for the Memorial Student Union.  

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There are plans to rebuild the facility

in order to expand and provide more space and comfort for

student-related activities.  Within the next three years, the

transformation should be complete.  “The whole goal is to create an

area that will accommodate student campus life needs by making the

union the focal point for campus life and student activities,” said

Carl Baker, Director of the Memorial Student Union.

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With students as the primary motivation,

Gerald Spates, Associate Director of the Memorial Student Union,

helped to ensure that Aggies were given the opportunity to express

what they desire for the new union.  “Some of the architects set up

stations around campus to inform students as well as receive their

input.  This is not just an administrative decision.  Students have

been involved,” said Spates.  

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Although he will not be able to

experience the finished union during his undergraduate years at

A&T, Ronald 

“list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial;”>Griswell,

junior business major, said, “I would like for there to be more

healthy food options such as Chipotle or 

“list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial;”>Panera Bread. 

The campus is already surrounded by fast food places and on-campus

food does not provide selections that are any better. 

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There definitely needs to be more space

in the dining area. The lines to buy food are ridiculously long. It

would be great for the outside of the union to be used more and for

the bowling alley in the basement to be 

“list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial;”>re-opened.”

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While planning is still in the

preliminary stages, specifics of the renovation cannot be provided

at this time.  However, Baker did provide a verbal walkthrough of

how the space is going to be utilized.

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The new and improved building will

comprise of a small dining area similar to Williams Cafeteria, a

sit-in, a store comparable to the current C-store, a bookstore, a

teller machine, student mailboxes, a large banquet or ballroom

facility that will accommodate 500 people, 12 to 15 meeting rooms

of varying sizes, a multicultural center, and a student hub that

will act as a suite for organizations such

as 

“list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial;”>SGA, SUAB,

and Greek life.  

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The recreation area will consist of

bowling, billiards and video games, and a theater that can seat 200

people.  The details on retail stores are somewhat vague but some

ideas that have been generated include a barber shop/salon, copy

center and computer accessory store. Additionally, architects will

enhance the outdoor environment surrounding the union.

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One aspect that seems to weigh heavily

on students’ minds is whether or not Aggie Wings will return.  “I

think it’s horrible,” said 

“list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial;”>Te’Ana Mason,

junior psychology major, “the union needs to have

Aggie 

“list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial;”>Wings.” 

The comeback of Aggie Wings is still indefinite, but directors of

the Memorial Student Union will conduct a survey through food

services in order to receive a student consensus on their food

longings.

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“This is something we are really excited

about.  We are a growing institution and the new union is going to

take us to the next level.   Improving the area will make it more

enjoyable for current students as well as alumni who will be able

to witness the continuous development of the university,” said

Spates.

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It is out with the old and in with the

new for A&T’s Memorial Student Union. View changes to the

Memorial Student Union at: http://

“list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial;”>fac.ncat.edu/engineer/constructionupdate.htm#

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– 

“list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial;”>[email protected] and

follow   

“list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial;”>@ATRegister on

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• Heleese Scott Contributor