By Thomas Jones III
Raver Intern

Comedian Groucho Marx once said, “While money can’t buy happiness, it certainly lets you choose your own form of misery.” Eight months and six million dollars spent students are questioning the Surbeck renovations. Their concerns are not about the new look, but rather the amount of choice and quality of food in the renovated cafeteria. Leaving the question: was the result worth the cost?

“It is disappointing to see the selection down in the Miners Shack,” said computer science sophomore Michael Slezak. “I miss items like Pizza Rolls and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream”.

The selection in the main cafeteria even decreased. Now students are missing the self served ice cream from last year and can’t pick items from the grill like bacon cheese burgers and patty melts. The decrease in choice can’t be forgiven by the food quality.

“The food seems the exact same as last year,” said metallurgy sophomore Matt Wermers. “Sometimes it seems that the food is worse off”.

Despite the dissatisfaction of the food quality and selection students have found positive aspects of the remodeled dining area.

“The new cafeteria looks awesome, it is new and fresh”, said mechanical engineer sophomore Matt Hicks. “The whole layout is a lot better to eat and study in”.

The new architecture in the dining area has been updated to help the look of The School of Mines. New furniture gives the area a modern look. The layout also leaves the dining area open for people to study during and after cafeteria hours. Making the new renovation a step in a better direction.

The old cafeteria needed to be updated. It was about to hit its 47th year of service.

“Stoves and equipment needed a facelift,” said Dr. Pat Mahon, Dean of Students, regarding the outdated equipment. It wasn’t just the facility that noticed the need too. The decision for change was a huge student-driven effort.”