Multipurpose store opens in Benson Memorial Center

By Jennifer Kanne

Connections, a multipurpose store, opened its doors for the first time on Oct. 27. The store, located on the first floor of Benson Memorial Center, was created by the Associated Students to serve student needs.

Bucky the Bronco cut the ribbon to officially open Connections in front of approximately 25 students, staff and administrators.

Connections rents camping gear and sports equipment, such as sleeping bags and roller blades. A fax machine is available for students to use until 8 p.m., as well as a one-day photo developing station. A free airport shuttle service will be available for students to sign up for prior to Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break. The store also offers Book Connection, a classified system that allows students to buy and sell textbooks from other students. Greek shirts and baseball caps are for sale at lower prices than other vendors in the area.

The store will also post a master calendar of all student-run events, and is also looking to expand its services in the future by providing dry cleaning and an on-line calendar.

Everything available in Connections can be purchased using a Flex account.

"I think [Connections] is important because the university is trying to create a culture of service, and this fits our strategy," Provost Stephen Privett, SJ, said at the grand opening.

AS President Javier Benavidez wants Connections to be a visible part of Associated Students. According to Benavidez, the centralized location is key for its success. Connection's predecessor, The Outlet, only provided a limited variety of services, and suffered a lack of business by virtue of its location in the basement of Benson.

"I think it's wonderful," Assistant Dean of Student Life and Leadership Matthew Duncan said. "I think they'll get a lot more business here."

The idea for Connections has floated around for several years, and AS officers have been working for quite a few months to prepare for its opening.

"Every time students have a question, I want them to think of Connections," AS Services Vice President of Dan Darcy said. "I have been working all summer for this Ñ I'm really proud of it."Benson Center is charging AS a modest rental price for the space and has been helpful in launching Connections.

Senators and class officers may also hold their office hours in Connections. Paid student employees will staff Connections, which is a nonprofit endeavor supported by the Student Activity Fee Committee.

KSCU 103.3 FM will be playing in Connections during hours of operation.

Connections will be open from 12 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.