Gibbons, how dearly you will be missed. The thought of your imminent destruction following the end of the 2016 spring semester weighs heavy on my heart. A comforting refuge from perilous snow storms, you were there for me when winter’s icy grip grabbed ahold of me so unforgivingly. Wonderfully placed on campus, you were always right around the corner when the relentless effects of being ‘hangry’ began kicking in. Regardless of how high one stacked his or her plate(s), the price of admission never wavered. Standing fiercely against the odds, the ‘Just-One-Punch’ deal beat out any competition that stood in its way. Your seemingly endless amount of gifts will not be forgotten, Gib, and as I consumed my very last D-Hall Sunday brunch this past weekend, I couldn’t help but reminisce on some of your most fabulous features.
Ms. Donna
Even on the worst of days, when I found myself drowning in overdue assignments and the swiftly rising tides of stress, Donna always seemed to make things alright. She could never be found without a smile on her face, and regardless of how many hooligan college students stormed her card-swipe post, she remained cool and collected. Good vibes, Donna. Only fools attempted to sneak past those side entrances in the early hours of the morning, because even when the doors went unguarded, Donna remained faithfully watchful. I hope to marry a woman as diligent and cheerful as you one day, Donna. You’ll be sorely, sorely missed.
Belgian Waffles
You’d think those waffle makers were pretty self-explanatory, but the number of times I’ve witnessed someone open it’s hinges to find that their waffle had been demolished says otherwise. The amount of batter that I poured into those waffle machines this year is astounding. I didn’t even enjoy waffles before my first semester at JMU, but as I gulped down that first syrupy bite of fried waffle mix during F.R.O.G. week, I was hooked. Aside from that one anxious woman who made sure no one was mixing chocolate chips or sprinkles into their own waffle mix, the Belgian waffle made any breakfast experience twice as enjoyable.
Round Tables
Perhaps one of the most easily taken for granted features of D-Hall, this one remains my favorite. There’s something cool about eating at a round table that differs from your average square or rectangle table. Conversation exchange occurs much easier, and with the addition of a few chairs, a single table can usually fit even the largest of crews. The amount of brotherly bonding that occurred as a result of eating meals together at those round tables will forever be one of my most enjoyable memories.
Buffalo-Mash
Had someone told me before I was accepted to James Madison University that the combination of chicken strips, mashed potatoes, and buffalo hot sauce would become a mealtime favorite of mine, I’d have never believed them. For those who’ve never eaten this eclectic treat, let me be the first to tell you, there truly is nothing like it.
Community
It’s tough to think of another place on Madison’s campus that every type of student can be found; at the same time, anyways. While James Madison University isn’t considered the most diverse of schools, it still is home to quite a unique student body. Everyone’s gotta’ eat at some point, regardless of who you are, and perhaps one of D-Hall’s greatest features is the people-watching opportunities that arise simply from eating breakfast. From full-body cat costumes to Star Wars characters wearing Christmas ties, I’ve grown to expect even the craziest of appearances.
“Signature Chips”
Although these crunchy delights were most likely stale the majority of times I put a handful of them on my plate, they sure were delicious. Nothing more than fried potato slices with a mysterious seasoning, these “signature” chips were the most fitting side to any meal. I may have been the only one who actually ate them, however, because I’m pretty certain the exact same bowl of chips was left out the entire semester. Either way, they truly were a treat, and I can only hope to find them in D-Hub (Gibbon’s sub-par replacement) awaiting my consumption.
The Dash
For those who are unaware, the infamous “D-Hall Dash” is the literal ‘dash’ one must often make to the Gibbons restroom immediately following the consumption of any D-Hall meal. You know exactly what I mean. As ridiculous as it may sound, the Dash is one of my favorite features of D-Hall; it’s nearly unavoidable, and it would be foolish not to mention it when discussing anything about D-Hall’s many meals. Anyone who’s grown accustomed to eating at least one daily D-Hall meal would tell you that consuming the meal is only half the excitement, and the second half is soon to follow. I’m not too sure how normal or healthy this phenomenon is, but regardless, I think I’ll grow to miss those thrilling bathroom dashes.
Many novels could be written in your praise, Gibbons, and although this shabby article certainly won’t do you justice, my hope is that your memory will live on through the generations of students who were lucky enough to find nourishment within your strangely circular walls. The seven features listed above may not be your greatest features, but they were some the most memorable.
Farewell, Gibbons Hall, may you rest in peace.
