Collen Grahek
Contributing Writer
With the new University Center being built, news of the upcoming demolition of the old University Center has made its way to the alumni of The Stroud Courier.
Thomas Krivak, former forum editor and copy editor of the Courier from the class of ‘07, is planning a reunion to get together and roam the halls of the UC one last time and relive the memories of the old office.
“Right now, a few of us are planning on some TBD time for Oct. 4, then trying to wrangle even more people for Spring 2025 for a final-final sendoff, if that makes sense,” Krivak said.
Krivak is opening the invitation to the current staff writers and editors as well.
“We will most likely grab a coffee from downstairs, walk through the old halls of the student union, take pictures. Get the band back together.”
Many memories of Krivak’s years as the editor-in-chief are still with him to this day.
“That blue couch, we were the ones to bring it up to the space. It actually belonged to one of our friends who was one of the editors. If you pick up the cushions, our signatures should still be there from the classes of ’06, ’07.”
Colin McEvoy, the Stroud Courier’s previous editor-in-chief from the graduating class of ’06, also expressed his thoughts on the demolition of the UC.
“It is a little sad and bittersweet. So many of the fondest memories of my years in college were in that space,” McEvoy said. “It would be great if we can get together one more time.”
According to John Bloshinski II, the director of Facilities Management, the demolition of the existing University Center is most likely to take place within the next two years.
This was clarified by Michael Sachs, interim vice president for administration.
“The demolition will not be completed in two years, but it should start no later than two years from now. It is a phased process,” Sachs said.
Mehki Williams, former sports editor and a senior Communications major from Bloomfield, N.J., is grateful for the memories that were made in the offices.
“My first meeting was pretty vivid,” Williams said. “I was on the bottom level in the cafeteria. Just socializing and eating when Aliyah Williams, current editor-in-chief, asked me to come to the second floor. I was so confused because I had never been on the second floor.”
Williams said that he was running three minutes late, and described the embarrassment that he felt when he walked into the office.
“Just seeing Professor Broun’s raised eyebrow. I can still picture it to this day. He had no idea who I was,” Williams said while laughing. “But the rest of the meeting went great. We talked for at least two hours, and it was exciting to come up with ideas.”
While Williams is sad that the old building will no longer exist, he is excited for The Stroud Courier to have a new and bigger space for their meetings.
“The old center definitely has that nostalgic feeling. I don’t like change,” Williams said. “Obviously, I’ll get used to it because that’s life, but I’m gonna miss it. Definitely a great bond and connections were made there over the years.”