By Daniel Johnson-Kim, Editor in Chief

The newly renovated “World Famous Bean” may have been open to students since the beginning of the semester, but the university made it official Monday.

As students helped themselves to lunch, university officials, ARAMARK representatives and several others who played a role in the renovation of the dining facility gathered for the grand opening. A ribbon cutting ceremony was performed at noon, ACU and ARAMARK officials made remarks and former director of retail and dining James Fulbright rang in the launch of the new facility with an old dinner bell.

In his speech about the new facility, Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, explained how the construction was in line with the university’s 21st Century Vision, what he called ACU’s “roadmap to 2020.”

“On point No. 3, it says to develop a unique Christcentered experience to draw students from the community, and this is a great start,” Money said.

In addition to the formal ceremony, ACU Dining Services sponsored a talent show and Nintendo Wii tournament and gave away free T-shirts and gifts throughout the day. Adam Wells, senior missions major from College Station, heard his ticket number called during lunch and won $100 in Campus Cash.

“This is actually why I came in here today because I don’t have any Campus Cash or Bean Bucks or anything,” he said.

Wells said he was impressed by the newly renovated facility and would use his winnings to eat at the Bean. Angel Herrera, regional vice president of ARAMARK Southwest Region, joined Money in commending the newly renovated facility, calling the dedication a “very important day for Abilene Christian University.”

Anthony Williams, director of retail and campus stores manager, said the construction was a comprehensive plan that included input from focus groups, students and others.

With everything now in place, he said the pressure was upon ACU dining services to use the facilities to continue to provide students with quality food and service.

“Everything is in place; we just have to execute,” Williams said.