We all suffered through the cramped classes in the Gate lounges and embarrassing flashbacks of freshmen year on our way to the O’Connell House. Having to go to class in these ridiculous locations was a sacrifice BC students had to make last year to make up for the never-ending construction on Gasson.
But guess what collegiettes™? GASSON’S BACK!
And just in time for the start of the 2011-2012 school year, Gasson re-opens as fresh as the incoming class of 2015. This time, the exterior of the building is polished with 6,800 pieces of new pre-cast stone (maybe this has something to do with the random wall that has been chilling on the Fulton lawn for the past two years). A new sprinkler system and fire alarm system have also been installed, for future reference. The grand staircases inside are completely rebuilt, so if you trip and fall from now on, it is all your fault. Sorry.
Considering that Gasson Hall is John Winthrop’s vision of a “city upon a hill” come to life, the renovation was absolutely necessary. When newbies and tourists look out their car windows at BC, the first thing they will see is the iconic Gasson clock tower. For collegiettes™, campus just wouldn’t be the same without the old clock tower chiming every 15 minutes while walking through Middle Campus.
Now that Gasson is up and ready to go, the A&S Deans and Honors Program, as well as University Counseling, can move back into their refurbished offices. Classes can be held without the interruption of windows falling out or worrying that the fire alarm will not go off in an emergency. But best of all, BC collegiettes™ do not have to endure another year of trekking to Newton for a 50-minute class, when we never even lived there as a freshman.
Enjoy the beginning of the new year with classes in the most picturesque building on campus!
Sources:
http://www.bc.edu/publications/chronicle/TopstoriesNewFeatures/topstories/Gasson020410.html
Photo Sources:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/renidemus/4443496318/