Stockdale: Sixteen Months Later

Nearly a year and a half ago the Monmouth College community shock and near tragedy struck when the Stockdale Student Center, once a lively hub of socialization and dining, caught fire. Within hours, campus life was altered for Monmouth College students. The college scrambled to make accommodations in such unprecedented times as meals and social activities were displaced across campus for months. The CSB transformed into a makeshift cafeteria, the ASAP office moved into Poling Hall, and places like Scots Market, once an essential aspect of student life, were temporarily lost.
Now, sixteen months later, Stockdale has a reopening plan. According to Karen Ogorzalek, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Monmouth College students can expect a complete reopening of Stockdale as early as August 2024. With the reconstruction of Stockdale, there came many renovations and new additions to the building, including an expected 24/7 access for students in a newly renovated basement space. Some of these new additions include a lounge space with games and TVs, a newly renovated involvement room, and the return of Scots Market. Dean Ogorzalek also described a new wall dedicated to Admiral Stockdale, a significant figure in Monmouth College’s rich history. “Marnie Steach has been talking to Stockdale relatives to honor his name and accomplishments,” said Dean Ogorzalek. James Bond Stockdale, a Monmouth College alum, received the Medal of Honor after he spent seven years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.
There has been no update on food or meal plan access in the basement of the Stockdale Center, but Dean Ogorzalek and the Scots Senate want to hear students' opinions on how to make Stockdale a better place for campus life. “There will be an update coming soon,” said Dean Ogorzalek, “February 21 is the next open body student government meeting for Stockdale student input for the lower level. We want to hear student perspectives.” As for now, the Stockdale dining room remains open to students during mealtimes with limited access to the rest of the building for restrooms.