Pillsbury Through Student Eyes
Why do students appreciate English's home, Pillsbury Hall? “I sat under one of the archways to study," noted an English senior, "and eventually I noticed a stone carving of some beastly figure staring down at me, ancient myth built into Pillsbury’s design. I remember thinking that this beautiful building was the rightful home of the English department, because no one would appreciate it as much as us.”
In the two years since the Department of English moved into the newly renovated building, students have embraced its spaces. They gather at the comfortable hallway tables and chairs, reading and continuing classroom conversations. Student groups have taken over the attic and seminar rooms for varied events. The undergrad study on the third floor has become their “club house," with poetry quotations scrawled on the white board and fliers from student group FUSE. As we'd hoped, students are building a sense of community via the building.
“I love the undergraduate lounge. I study and hang out with friends there a lot.”
“The windows have a view of the whole campus, and from the room’s bookshelf, I can grab and flip through the pages of a book written by one of my very own professors.”
“The fourth floor is amazing. I’ve been lucky enough to have some classes in the attic, and I love going to events and readings there. It’s such a perfect space for English majors!”
“I like the wooden beams that jut out of the floor in Pillsbury's attic. I've never had a class on that floor, but sometimes I like to go up there just to look at those beams.”
“My favorite aspect of Pillsbury Hall is the architecture. It is a beautiful old building.”
“I really like the nook by the doors on the first floor. It's always very cozy over there. I often sit there and do my homework before class.”
“I love the attic space. The natural wood creates an environment that feels very welcoming, and I’ve got some great memories there between my work on The Tower and events held by FUSE.”
“The lack of bees is great! Besides that, the new lecture space on the fourth floor is a perfect study space.”
“I love sitting out on the steps when the weather is nice, especially on those little landings that flank the stairs. Makes you feel like a gargoyle.”
“The energy. I love how homey it feels and how, no matter the day or time, at least one person can be found reading something interesting in a corner of the building.”
