A group of students, faculty, and community members were on hand for the rededication ceremony of Mark Allen Hall and the reopening of the Activities Center. The residence hall was originally dedicated on September 23, 1964. Exactly 60 years later to the day, it was rededicated following extensive remodeling.
The renovations included refurbishing the common area between the two dorm areas. The common area was originally used as a cafeteria and had since fallen into disuse. It has now been refurbished and serves as a common area for dorm residence and guests. The residence hall now has laundry facilities and a student kitchen on site, which allows the students to do their laundry and cook without going off campus.
The renovations coincided with extensive renovations to the Activities Center. The cafeteria has been upgraded to a food court and is positioned across from the game areas, which have also been transformed. In addition to pool tables, air hockey and the like, the new building also features dedicated spaces for the college’s eSports team and an enhanced Monster Pit, where students can relax, play games and get to know each other.
The dedication ceremony began with a welcome from EAC president, Todd Haynie. Following his opening remarks, the audience stood for the Star-Spangled Banner, sung by EAC Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Two of the early residents of Mark Allen Hall were in attendance and reminisced about their time at EAC and their experiences in the residence hall. Virgil Alexander was the first to speak, followed by George Lord. Alexander said that his dorm was directly above Lord’s. Alexander talked about being offered the job of dorm proctor. He said that he was told that nobody would like him if he took the job, which turned out to be prophetic. Virgil Alexanders’ son, Keith, currently works in administration.
George Lord said he came to EAC for the chance to play basketball. His coach was Wayne McGrath, who went on to become college president. He spoke of working under Mark Allen, who he described as being a man of few words. Both men remembered their experiences at EAC fondly.
President Haynie the residence hall was built on the spot where Christopher Layton’s home once stood. Christopher Layton was the founder of the Town of Thatcher and was the first president of Eastern Arizona College, then known as Gila Academy. He pointed out that Layton was Virgil Alexander’s great grandfather and Keith’s great-great grandfather.
The facility spans 10,300 square feet and accommodates 180 beds. In addition to the laundry facilities and kitchen it now has quiet spaces, a sensory room and new amenities in the common area.
