"This is not your father's Luther Cafeteria!"

The Luther College student cafeteria has undergone a complete renovation from top to bottom this school year.  The cafeteria had not been completely and totally renovated since the 1960s.  New ceilings, carpeting, seating and even flat screen TVs have been installed in the cafeteria, says Luther College Dining Services Director Wayne Tudor.

Note: We have added the phrase "completely and totally" to our news story based upon the accurate comment of decorahnews.com reader Dennis Magnuson: "It was interesting to read of the Luther cafeteria update, but it clearly leaves one with a mistaken impression when it says that the cafeteria had not been upgraded since the 1960s.   The fact is that the cafeteria had at least two (probably more) upgrades, including a major one fewer than 5 or 6 years ago.  Lots of credit for the latter should be given to previous cafeteria manager Warren Palm and his associates who worked hard to innovate the use of the "scatter" serving areas, now common in many cafeterias"

Tudor says the new cafeteria now has plenty of room between the tables.  That has helped make the cafeteria more accessible to students with special needs, although some access issues still remain.

Instead of having one huge room the cafeteria now is broken up into several areas and has booths and some special seating areas.  Students now spend more time in the cafeteria, which Tudor says is a good indication they like the new look.

Tables and chairs in the cafeteria have been manufactured with recycled material.  Windows in the cafeteria now have low-e glass.  There's also a new audio system.
 
"It's been really positive," Tudor says of the reaction.  Alumni reaction to the new facility was "amazing," although several recent Luther alumni wished the changes had come while they were still on campus.

Tuesday: It's not just the furnishings that have changed.  A look at dining on campus.