Loyola University New Orleans students started a new year with a newly renovated Danna Student Center, the heart of campus life, serving as a place where students eat, study and gather. The university completed a major renovation of the decades-old facility. The upgrades include redesigned common areas and study spaces, modernized dining seating in the Orleans Room, and the addition of a Chick-fil-A.
This upgrade has been long overdue, according to students, though it is not completely done; progress is definitely showing.
For many students, including sophomore public relations major and music industry studies minor Lorenzo Barbagelata-Miller, the changes represent a much-needed update.
“I personally liked the old Danna Center, but I do think it was quite outdated for being the center and main hub for our campus. I think the new renovations look fantastic, and I think everything will really come together when the construction is fully complete in that building,” Barbagelata-Miller said.
Barbagelata-Miller said that while he “without a doubt” prefers the new design, he has noticed some drawbacks.
“The only downside to the new changes is that the hallways are slightly smaller and make it a little harder to squeeze through on the way to classes,” he said.
Barbagelata-Miller added that the new Chick-fil-A “is going to be a huge attraction as well.”
The Danna Center, which houses the Orleans Room dining hall, offices, lounges and study spaces, has been a centerpiece of Loyola’s Uptown campus for decades. For many students, memories of the old space still linger, especially when it comes to places to study. One of these students is Ava Dufrene, sophomore political science major.
“I loved the study spaces in the old Danna Center, but it was always hard to find spaces to eat in the OR during lunchtime,” said Dufrene.
“Both come with their own pros and cons. I just wish it was easier to find places to study in the new Danna Center and less of a line to get into the Orleans Room during lunch time,” she said.
The Orleans Room, often referred to as “the OR,” remains one of the busiest locations on campus. Renovations have brought updated seating and a sleeker layout, but students like Dufrene say finding a spot during peak hours is still a challenge.
Lianna Obiol, a junior political science major, agreed that the building was due for change.
“I thought it was time for a change. The old Danna Center was very outdated, however I loved to study in the Starbucks lounge,” Obiol said.
Despite those critiques, students across campus said the upgrades help modernize Loyola’s campus and give the community a more welcoming space to gather and thrive. With construction still wrapping up, many believe the best is yet to come.
“I like the renovations they did, but wish there were more study spaces in the Danna Center as well as in the new Starbucks. I prefer the new changes, especially the addition of Chick-fil-A on campus, but wish they included more study spaces and lounge areas,” she said.
As Obiol put it, the renovation is a positive step, but one that leaves room for improvement.
