10/25/23
Gadsden State cuts ribbon on renovated cafeteria
Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College cut a ribbon to signify the opening of a newly-renovated cafeteria on its Wallace Drive Campus. The event was co-hosted today with The Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County.
“We are having a lot of wonderful events, like ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings, that are evidence of the great work going on at Gadsden State,” said Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of the College. “There are many thought leaders working together to make great things happen at Gadsden State.”
The cafeteria is known as the Cardinal Café. The renovations and upgrades include seating for 100, a new heating and cooling system, new window walls, fresh paint and décor, new televisions, employee dining hall and a separate room that can seat 72 for meetings, student gatherings and special events.
Murphy commended the attendees of the ribbon cutting, which included political officials, members of the Cardinal Foundation Board of Directors and business leaders as well as students and employees from Gadsden State.
“You all are keeping Gadsden State important and relevant in the life of our community,” she said. “We want to continue to do the good work that we are doing for many years to come.”
The Cardinal Foundation, a support organization that provides opportunities for students at Gadsden State, raised almost $31,000 in donations to purchase new furniture for the renovated space.
“This is one of many great days at Gadsden State,” said Tommie Goggans III, president of the foundation. “The Cardinal Foundation is all-in when it comes to providing opportunities for our students and for our College. We want to make sure our students have positive experiences while attending Gadsden State. Providing them with spaces that are nice, safe and conducive to a positive collegiate experience is a priority for us.”
Sodexo, Gadsden State’s cafeteria vendor, also donated $30,000 for the upgrades and renovations.
“For over 30 years we have had a positive partnership with Gadsden State, and we look forward to continuing that partnership,” said Anne Rankin, district manager. “We have wonderful plans to provide server area enhancements in the near future.”
John Roberson, director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, said when he was hired in June 2022, Murphy charged him with spearheading a fundraiser for the Cardinal Café.
“I remember coming to the cafeteria when I was a child attending Gadsden State events,” he said. “Never did I imagine that I would be a part of the renovation of the Cardinal Café. I’m proud of the work that the Cardinal Foundation does to improve student experiences.”
Donors include Etowah County Community Block Grants from Districts 28, 29 and 30; Exchange Bank of Alabama; Sodexo; The Chamber Talent Development and Growth and Retention Committees; ZLA Solutions; Alan Wallace; Alicia Ingle; Caleb and Jenna Campbell; Dr. Barbara Dorsett; Dr. Kathy Murphy; Eric Ellis; Heather New; Keli Feely; Mark and Barbara Condra; Patricia Connell; Trudy Lowe at Preferred Health Services Inc.; and Vance and Remona Roberson.
For more information on the Cardinal Foundation, visit GadsdenState.edu/Cardinal Foundation.
See photos from the ribbon cutting in this album.
