Lowell Technological Institute students (two wearing the red “freshman beanies” handed out as part of good-natured teasing of new students) line up for cake in the Smith Hall Dining Room sometime in the 1950s. Smith Hall—which opened in 1947 as the first student dormitory on campus—was demolished in 2010 to make way for the Mark and Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center.
Named after Mary E. McGauvran, the university’s former vice president of student affairs, the new McGauvran Center opened in 2016 after a $34 million renovation. The all-you-care-to-eat South Campus Dining facility features “home-cooked” entrees at Full Plate, pizza and pasta at Aroma, sandwiches from Broadway Deli, a salad bar at Wilder Farms, gluten-free options at Choices and late-night takeout from Grill Out. There is seating for 400 on the first floor, including a bright and open section with a two-story glass wall providing a view of the South Campus quad.
The aroma of fresh-baked bread and coffee greets guests on the second floor, which connects to O’Leary Library and has seating for another 400, including several tables and chairs on a new outdoor terrace. In addition to a bakery and café, the second level features retail food options at Subway and Freshii, a Canadian chain specializing in wraps, burritos, salads and smoothies. Grab-and-go options are also available at the Merrimack Market.