Imagine this: a place where you can study or relax in the company of friends without having to worry about making too much noise or straining to hear over the sound of your neighbor's boom box. Too good to be true? Well, ponder no longer, this dream is a reality here on St. Olaf campus in the lower level of Buntrock Commons, at the Lion's Pause, a student-run lounge and eating area.

The Lion's Pause is "a place to get away from the classes," said Sumner Musolf, a member of the executive team that is in charge of running the Pause. "We have so many things to offer to the students."

Opening

The Pause opened its doors to the St. Olaf community earlier this week. Opening hour is 10:00 a.m. and staff closes doors at around midnight. It is here that students can find a place to socialize, study or snack.

At the beginning of the school year, the Pause found itself burdened with a lack of leadership, delaying its opening. But Musolf is confident that his team is now on track and ready to go. "Our executive team at the beginning was jumbled...but we're coming together now quickly and effectively. We have a very dedicated and hard working group."

Recreation

The Pause is a favorite hangout on campus due to the wide variety of entertainment it offers to its student customers. When it moved from the old student center last year, it expanded tremendously. The variety of entertainment now includes pool tables, board games, a 30 inch television in the lounge area, darts, a jukebox, and movies available to rent. The arcade has added new machines and the air-hockey table is expected to be a popular new attraction.

For those students who need to study and desire a change of scenery from a distracting dorm room or the library, the Pause offers a lounge complete with comfortable chairs, sofas, ottomans and work tables. Three new IMACs and three new Gateway computers are also distributed throughout the room for the convenience of checking e-mails and writing papers.

Pause delicacies

If you find yourself craving a delicious snack late at night, the Pause, once again, has you covered. Expected to make its debut sometime during Homecoming week, the kitchen and its newly hired, expertly trained staff will be on hand and ready to serve its customers some Ole favorites.

"Our pizzas are a pretty hot topic," says Musolf. "We also serve garlic bread, nachos, candy, and coffees."

And the unanimous favorite? One sophomore swears it's "the pizza bagels, they are seriously the best!"

With the edition of a new cappuccino and expresso machine, the kitchen is getting prepared to cater to the St. Olaf community by the end of this month.

Entertainment

The stage of the Lion's Pause, located to the left of the kitchen, is yet another popular attraction. Here, diversity shows, speeches, musicals, plays, raves, dances and bands are scheduled for various days and nights throughout the school year.

Pause People

So who goes to the Pause? "We get everyone," says Musolf. "Faculty come in for coffee, administration, but a majority are students, both freshmen and upperclassmen. There is always something for everybody."

Friday, September 22nd is expected to be the official grand opening of the Pause for the 2000-2001 school year. Musolf is confident that the staff will be ready for event. Many students are anxiously awaiting the grand opening of their favorite study area, or in some cases, study break. The Pause offers something for every student at St. Olaf, whether it be a bite of pineapple pizza at midnight, a video to rent on Saturday evening, or a game of foosball while one "waits" for a study partner.

"I look forward to the grand opening," says Musolf, "and hope that we can continue the Pause's tradition of excellence."