2008 Woodie Awards
Pub on campus could offset sleepy town image
Matt Linden
Issue date: 4/25/07 Section: Campus Life
Picture this as the scene surrounding a college campus: Two restaurants within walking distance of the campus, and both are not open after 9 p.m.; a small village store instead of a New England-based supermarket; and a library that neighbors the town's grade school that's rarely opened to the public.
Is that the type of environment a prospective student would want to call home for four years?
While having the reputation of being among the oldest American institutions for higher learning, Castleton State College is located in a town with only a handful of stores and restaurants.
But the school could become more of a college town if their newest proposal is accepted with open arms.
Sociology Professor Philip Lamy has worked at Castleton for 15 years and is a major supporter of adding a "college atmosphere" to the school and its neighboring community. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a doctorate from Northeastern, Lamy is familiar with the interests and concerns of students in regards to recreational activities.
"This college should have more places for students to hang at in a community-environment," he said. "There are no places open around 8 or 9 p.m. Where do students go during those hours? If they are drinking and driving, there's an issue perhaps."
Drinking in a new idea
Lamy is currently working with students in a movement to bring a pub onto campus. His students have hosted pub nights at the Spartan room in Huden Dining Hall, with each night having a board for student comments.
"We want more students to offer suggestions and help us create this place," he said. "Most of the comments we've received so far have been very positive."
Drinking and driving is an increasing problem in colleges throughout the United States. According to a statement from Dr. Aaron White of Duke University, traffic crashes claim more lives than anything else among young adults and "alcohol is involved in a significant proportion of these deaths."
Is that the type of environment a prospective student would want to call home for four years?
While having the reputation of being among the oldest American institutions for higher learning, Castleton State College is located in a town with only a handful of stores and restaurants.
But the school could become more of a college town if their newest proposal is accepted with open arms.
Sociology Professor Philip Lamy has worked at Castleton for 15 years and is a major supporter of adding a "college atmosphere" to the school and its neighboring community. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a doctorate from Northeastern, Lamy is familiar with the interests and concerns of students in regards to recreational activities.
"This college should have more places for students to hang at in a community-environment," he said. "There are no places open around 8 or 9 p.m. Where do students go during those hours? If they are drinking and driving, there's an issue perhaps."
Drinking in a new idea
Lamy is currently working with students in a movement to bring a pub onto campus. His students have hosted pub nights at the Spartan room in Huden Dining Hall, with each night having a board for student comments.
"We want more students to offer suggestions and help us create this place," he said. "Most of the comments we've received so far have been very positive."
Drinking and driving is an increasing problem in colleges throughout the United States. According to a statement from Dr. Aaron White of Duke University, traffic crashes claim more lives than anything else among young adults and "alcohol is involved in a significant proportion of these deaths."
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