I lived in Altmann Hall my freshman year at Kent. Most of you probably haven’t heard of it because it doesn’t exist anymore. I’m sad that the first home I lived in Kent was demolished my sophomore year, but I’m happy that Kent realizes the term, “Out with the old, in with the new.” I’ll admit, when I first came to Kent, I felt some areas of campus needed to get a face-lift. The face-lift I guess started my sophomore year when my old dorm was torn down. It’s not to insult the school. I am proud of where I attend and want to make sure everyone knows we care about our campus. Now that I am living in Kent this summer, I am starting to notice the changes I called “face-lifts” around me. The painted KSU on the corner of Lincoln and Main and the inviting archway that sits right next to it all adding to the campus we know and love.

Another phase of the face-lift has started, and I have never looked more forward to it. I walked through Risman Plaza last fall admiring what the plans were to modernize an area where most students travel through and exchange hellos. Yes, our beloved fountain is gone, but that won’t put a dark cloud over the many memories I have had the past three years here at Kent. Risman Plaza’s renovations will invite the Class of 2014 to campus and will give them something to enjoy and see rather than seeing a fountain that has been here since the 1970s.

Don’t dwell on the fountain. Sure, I liked walking past and seeing it, but the plaza in general has never been a nice hangout spot personally for me. I want to see excitement and new students meeting others. I want to see students sitting under the shady trees and grassy areas of the plaza. I want to see students memorized by the new water element that will look like a piece of art. I want students to feel comfortable when they wait for their next class. I want students to be able to hang out and see their friends in a happy environment. It’s time for a new class to start their memories. And while we invite these new students on campus, we will remind those of the days we used to sit in Risman Plaza on the steps or next to the fountain, waiting for our next class thinking, “Yep, those were the days.”

Were not in 1970 when the plaza was built anymore. We’re in 2010. Let’s be proud of the changes we are receiving to keep our campus beautiful.

Kaylee Remington is a senior magazine journalism major at Kent State University and a columnist for the Summer Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].