By: Max Bruns ~Staff Writer~

While you were away over the summer, some big changes happened within Gallagher Student Center (GSC). In fact, Xavier University’s Gallagher Student Center celebrated its fourteenth birthday this year and Xavier is celebrating with several internal renovation projects that serve to expand student leisure and club space.

“During the academic year of 2013- 2014, the Division of Student Affairs received an increasing number of concerns from students about the lack of available campus space for students to socialize and host events,” Chris Marshall, the manager of the GSC, said.

As a result of these concerns, the Division of Student Affairs, Student Government Association and the University Planning and Resource Council identified potential for lounge and event space in Gallagher’s interior.

The new event space is known as The Arrupe Overlook.

“The Arrupe Overlook, the new space on the first floor, will serve as a lounge but can also be reserved by student clubs, groups and university organizations. It can accommodate over 100 people and can be set up in various ways. There is a built-in projector with a screen and audio in addition to a performance area with available portable stage,” Marshall said.

The space occupies what used to be the Xavier book store, which is now half the size to accommodate the renovation.

The space will be open during the Manresa weekend, in time for Week of Welcome events.

D’Artagnan’s Den is serving a function more suited for studentto- student personal interaction. “D’Artagnan’s Den, on the GSC’s lower level, will serve as a TV lounge providing additional space for students to interact,” Marshall said.

Chris Marshall began his tenure as Gallagher Center’s manager this year and helped implement and oversee the planned renovations.

“Ultimately, these spaces will enhance and expand students’ opportunities to come together, organize and participate in engaging programs and events, and build community on campus. When I first arrived at Xavier, I immediately became aware of the shortage of student-driven space, specifically the absence of a premier space for student organizations to host events… [now] The Arrupe Overlook is one of those spaces,” Marshall said.

Students and select faculty boards were involved in planning the look and names of the new spaces.

“Students have been highly involved in the planning process for this space – beginning with SGA’s advocacy and student survey and including student representation on the planning committee in 2014-2015. Involved students represented such organizations as SAC, SGA, Singers, Don’t Tell Anna, Acabellas, Harmon-X, Black Student Association and more,” Marshall said.

Any Xavier affiliated group, club or organization is encouraged to utilize these new spaces in the upcoming school year.

The Arrupe Overlook can be reserved through the GSC webpage, http://www.xavier.edu/gsc