Construction of the Numen Lumen Pavilion brings increased noise levels and obstacles for pedestrians in East Area, but despite the current inconveniences, students look forward to the opportunities associated with the Multi-faith Center.
The construction creates an obstacle for students walking through the area, said sophomore Beth Beless, resident assistant in the International Pavilion. According to Beless, she and her residents have been affected by the construction.
“It mainly affects the pavilions because East Area has no dining halls," Beless said. "So most people, especially in the IP, have to walk in the mud because there is no sidewalk. The construction blocks the paths, and it is a hassle having to walk around it because it cuts off the direct routes to Moseley, Colonnades and Koury.”
Nevertheless, Angel Garcia, assistant director of East Area, said he has not heard any student complaints.
“I have received zero complaints,” Garcia said. “I believe the students are understanding. We cannot just bring a building and just place it to avoid the noise. They understand that it’s part of the process and I think they’ll look forward to the Multi-faith Center being part of our area.”
East Area residents received two emails from Residence Life one week prior to the start of construction to inform them construction was starting and to encourage them to reach out to Residence Life if there are any problems. East Area faculty and staff received a similar email from the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life.
Although freshman Carolina resident Caroline Bondurant noted some disturbance near her dorm, the construction does not pose an exceptional inconvenience, she said.
“My room faces the direction of construction,” Bondurant said. “It can be kind of loud and the building shakes a little bit when I’m trying to sleep in. (The construction) is kind of in the way, but it’s not like it’s totally out of my way (to go around the fence).”
Garcia said he acknowledges the absence of this sidewalk and recognizes that this may inconvenience students.
“So far, the construction site took away one of the sidewalks that students used, but that’s for students’ safety,” Garcia said. “Other than that, I think that the company has done a good job at outlining and protecting the construction site and students, for that matter, and the only sacrifice that I’m aware of is that sidewalk.”
To Garcia, the sacrifice is worth the benefits the Numen Lumen Pavilion presents.
“(The Numen Lumen Pavilion) is the completion of the academic pavilions so it is actually symmetric,” Garcia said. “It’s a beautification of the area, I think it adds value to it structural-wise.”
Students also find value in the new building and look forward to the opportunities associated with the Numen Lumen Pavilion.
“One of the first things I wanted to do when I got to Elon was find a community or a church that I could get in touch with,” Bondurant said. “The closest church is near Danieley, but not everyone is going to enjoy a traditional Baptist ceremony. I liked it, but some people might not. (The Numen Lumen Pavilion) will be very central and will allow for the spread of different religions.”
Both Bondurant and DiClemente said they agree that the university will benefit from this new pavilion.
“(The Numen Lumen Pavilion) will further educate students about different religions and promote acceptance and tolerance of people’s religions,” DiClemente said.
[box] Angel Garcia, assistant director of East Area, hopes Elon students will take advantage of opportunities offered through the Numen Lumen Pavilion. Video by Mary Kate Brogan.[/box]