Another goal of the Strategic Plan is to strengthen the student residential community and student experience. Probably the most visible manifestation of that goal is StuV2 (“Stoo-Vee-Too”), the new residential tower that’s the twin (or at least a first cousin) of the Student Residence at 10 Buick Street. When it opens next year, the new tower will provide housing for almost 1,000 students in suite- and apartment-style units. Even more important, it will help the University continue its goals of getting students out of Boston neighborhoods—which is good for the area—and making students feel they’re part of the BU community. Other projects this year included completion of the Management House brownstone residence and Phase I of The Towers renovations.

A new housing initiative is also under way on the Medical Campus. This year, the School of Medicine acquired an 86,000-square-foot parcel of land in Boston’s South End, where a 9-story, 104-unit residence hall will be built for first- and second-year medical students. Rent for these students is targeted at about $850 a month versus the $2,000+ a month that is common across the South End. The goal is to provide safe, convenient and affordable housing as well as create more of a campus community for med students. With an aggressive fundraising program, the building could be available for occupancy as early as July 2011.

Mystery meat no longer a threat to higher education

The complement to housing is dining, and in this area the University has been busy over the past year as well, working to renovate and refresh facilities across the campus.

At the George Sherman Union (GSU), D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches—a stalwart since the original Union Court renovation in 1993—was usurped this past year by the Charles River Bread Company, which offers an extensive menu of gourmet sandwiches and panini. They must be doing something right: sales have increased 57 percent over the prior year’s D’Angelo sales.

Another addition to the GSU is Rhett’s, a burger joint named for the venerable BU mascot. With signature burgers, hand-cut fries and locally made gourmet ice cream, Rhett’s is a popular culinary destination as well.

BU’s Nutrition & Fitness Center (BUNFC) continued promoting its Sargent Choice program, which identifies menu items around campus that are made with whole grains, more fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean proteins and heart-healthy oils. Designed to overcome the barriers to making healthy food choices, Sargent Choice continues to be an innovative (and easy) way for students to eat well.

To support the University’s ongoing effort to be green, Dining Services has undertaken several initiatives:

• Recycling and composting started or increased at key locations across campus.
• Following a successful trial last year, all five residential dining locations will be tray-less this academic year, reducing food waste and saving water and energy.
• Over $1 million in locally grown or produced food was purchased this past year, renewing our commitment to the community.
• This past summer saw the start of a weekly farmers’ market at the GSU Plaza.

Investing in community

One of the most far-reaching developments in 2008 was an unprecedented increase in the number of clubs funded by the Dean of Students’ Office. Rising nearly 25 percent—from 400 to almost 500—the clubs offer everything from Accounting to Zen. Such a diverse and robust collection of clubs gives students a real chance to connect with peers in the BU community who have similar interests.

This past year also brought an incredible array of visitors to the campus, giving students the chance to attend concerts, hear world-class speakers, and enjoy BU’s role as a leader in the cultural life of Boston.

• Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Prize-winning founder of the Grameen Bank and champion of microcredit around the world, spoke to an overflow crowd of 1,500 people in October.
• Co-sponsored by the Hug Don’t Hate group and the Howard Gotleib Archival Research Center, the MLK Peace concert in April featured several bands and lots of enthusiastic supporters celebrating the life of one of BU’s most influential graduates.
• When the New England Patriots played for another world championship in February, the Dean of Students’ Office sponsored a Super Bowl party in the Agganis Arena for more than 1,500 students. Although the Patriots lost, the party itself scored big with students.

A safer, sleeker Commonwealth Avenue

Hear that? It’s the collective sigh of relief from the entire BU community that the renovations to Comm. Ave. are nearing completion. Gone are the orange cones, pneumatic drills, beeping dump trucks and myriad traffic hassles. In their place are comfortable benches, attractive planters, new trees, Boston’s first bike lanes and a main thoroughfare that’s more aesthetic, safer and reflects its role as the Main Street of one of the world’s great urban universities.

What are we planting here?

• 287 Carefree Delight Roses
• 356 Bonica No. 2 Roses
• 1,300 Myrtle Vines
• 61 Dwarf Koreanspice Viburnum
• 118 Spreading English Yew
• 287 Flower Carpet Roses
• 800 Baltic Ivy Vines
• 78 Dwarf Fothergilla
• 71 Dogwoods
• 112 Compact Nordic Inkberries

And 67 benches, planted in places around campus so we can sit and enjoy all the above.