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2.4.09
Moffatt Dining Hall reopens for service
Moffatt Dining Hall at Erskine College, damaged by a fire in July 2008, reopened Monday in a ceremony complete with ribbon-cutting and enthusiastic applause from students, faculty, staff and guests.
Taking the podium before a packed house, Erskine President Dr. Randall T. Ruble recalled that the dining hall, constructed in 1959, was named in honor of Erskine's seventh president, Dr. James Strong Moffatt, and his wife, Jennie Grier Moffatt, professor at the Due West Woman's College and Erskine College. He noted that Moffatt raised $120,000 during his presidency to restore the school's endowment and "rebuilt the curriculum."
He welcomed members of the Moffatt family, including Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Moffatt, Dr. and Mrs. Charles L. Moffatt, Lynn Moffatt Nycum, Elise Bridges, Katherine Donnald, Jonathan Donnald, Jayne Moffatt, Sally Moffatt Cooke and Evelyn Hart.
Ruble thanked Abbeville County Schools Superintendent Ivan Randolph, who allowed Erskine to use the Dixie High School cafeteria for a few weeks following the fire, when summer camp sessions were scheduled on the campus. "They never charged us for that," he said.
Erskine Board of Trustees Chairman Chip Smith received a welcome from Ruble.
Ruble also expressed appreciation to Due West Police Chief James Smith, Fire Chief Roy McClain, Public Works Director Lewis Saxton, and Administrator David Krumwiede.
"It's a great day for Erskine and for our community, too," said Vice President for Advancement Ralph Patterson, who is the mayor of Due West.
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| Dr. William Moffatt Grier's desk was donated to Erskine College and Seminary. |
Vice President for Finance and Operations Greg Haselden said he worked closely with Randy Moore, general manager for Aramark, the company providing dining and facility services for the campus, over the past several months.
"I thank you for your patience as we put this dining hall back together," Haselden told students, faculty and staff members.
The restored dining facility boasts a new heating and air conditioning unit, roof repairs, new color schemes, carpet, lighting, tables and chairs. There is also a new sound system and screen. Restrooms have been refurbished and a new freezer and two walk-in coolers have been installed. The room where the fire originated has been fitted with a tableware conveyor and dishwasher.
Haselden expressed gratitude to Aramark, Cincinnati Insurance, Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) officials, and Trehel Construction Company of Clemson.
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Erskine student Joe Sell gives a thumbs up walking into the renovated Moffatt for the first time. |
Moore acknowledged the work of his Aramark staff members. "It was no picnic," he said of the months of food service using portable kitchens parked near the Galloway Center, where dining tables were set up in the gymnasium's Athletic Hall of Fame. "Conditions were not always the greatest. But everyone worked hard, and nobody quit."
He also had a word for the students, whose mealtimes were sometimes punctuated by the buzz of the shot clock and other distractions in "Moffaway," the students' nickname for the temporary dining quarters. He reminded them of what many had been waiting for: "You finally get to eat pizza and French fries today," he said.
"I think the 'new' Moffatt looks great," Student Government Association
President Jason Bethea said. "The social aspect of the Erskine Community
suffered last semester not having a proper dining hall but I can already
see that slowly coming back. It is really great to be back in Moffatt."
A prayer of dedication was offered by Erskine Chaplain Paul Patrick, who cited Psalm 127:1 -- "Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it" -- as a reminder of Erskine's purpose.
"Let's pray and dedicate this facility to the Lord," Patrick said, and included in his prayer conversations conducted over meals in the dining hall and relationships established there.
A ribbon-cutting followed the prayer, with Erskine officials and Moffatt family members wielding the scissors.
Special guests gathered to eat in the Founders Room, the newly restored private dining room in Moffatt, while Erskine faculty, staff and students enjoyed the day's lunch fare, which was enhanced by the cooking talents of a visiting Aramark chef.
To view the Fox Carolina Video, click here.
Click here to view the article in The Index-Journal.
Dr. Ruble recalls the trials overcome in rebuilding Moffatt.
The ribbon is cut, symbolizing the reopening of Moffatt.
Students eat lunch for the first time in the new Moffatt.
Aramark chef cooks stir fry.
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