Horizons Fall 2014

W ho is the best source for ideas when redesigning a place that caters to students? The students themselves, of course. Ever since the Flight Deck opened in 1996 on the second floor of the Rosenthal Student Center, it has been a favorite spot for students to unwind. When the Don Taft University Center opened in 2006, the Flight Deck’s move there put it more in the middle of student action. And, when the Flight Deck needed an updated look, it was logical to turn to NSU students. The idea for the Flight Deck renovations began in 2011 when the Pan Student Government Asso- ciation (Pan SGA) increased its student service fees, which included a “facilities improvement fund” with Flight Deck renovations at the top of the list. The grand opening of the new Flight Deck Pub was last spring. Members of the Pan SGA, which represents the 18 NSU student governments, were involved in every phase of the Flight Deck’s renovation, from selecting furnishings to choosing menu items. The result is a contemporary, yet cozy place for students, as well as NSU faculty and staff members, to enjoy. “This is a warm and inviting environment. This is a place that can be used to work on a proj- ect or have a snack, lunch, or dinner while enjoying the atmosphere with students, cohorts, friends, and colleagues,” said Sharon McIntyre, president of the SGA for the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is working on her doctoral degree in conflict analysis and resolution. Even the Flight Deck Pub’s logo is a student legacy. Miguel Hernandez, who will graduate in 2015 with a master’s degree in leadership from the Abraham S. Fischler School of Educa- tion, won a contest to design the pub’s logo. “I would like for everyone who comes to the Flight Deck Pub to create great memories there. I hope that in some way it brings them comfort years down the line when they remember their friends, have reunions, and share more enjoyable times,” said Hernandez, the assistant director for admissions at NSU’s Shepard Broad Law Center for four years. The Undergraduate Student Government Asso- ciation plans to donate a spirit rock that will be located outside the Flight Deck Pub on the north side of the Don Taft University Center—as soon as the SGA can find a rock that is large enough. “A spirit rock is something that we feel will raise school spirit and start a tradition here on campus. This will be something that student organizations can paint or sit on. We hope that this spirit rock will be something students will remember even after they graduate,” said Kelly Scott, president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association. Meanwhile, Scott also is one of the Flight Deck Pub’s regulars. “I love the atmosphere with the cool music playing. The Flight Deck is definitely a success,” said Scott, an athletic training major who is on track to graduate in 2015. n 37 HORIZONS By Oline H. Cogdill akes Off