A bowling alley could be making its way to Northwestern in the near future, thanks to the efforts of a class of engineers with a record of success in getting proposals accepted and implemented by NU administrators.
The proposal is a result of two quarters of work by the Senior Industrial Engineering class, taught by Prof. Charles W. N. Thompson.
The class will propose an eight-lane bowling alley on the Norris University Center East Lawn to university administration and planning boards March 11.
“We like the idea, but if we’re right, this will be something everyone wants,” said Tim Gaylord, a McCormick senior. “We see a need for some place students feel they own.”
The class surveyed more than 1,600 students to determine if there is interest in a bowling alley, and they found that students support the idea.
The new building would have two floors. The main floor, which would be above ground, would have a snack area and a bar area. The bowling alley would be in the basement of the complex, along with an arcade consisting of four pool tables and two foosball tables. The pool tables would be moved from the Norris game room.
Students in the class said they hope to create an environment of stronger school spirit.
“Student groups on campus are good, but there are few examples of NU pride,” said Jamie Alvis, a McCormick senior and a member of the class. “We have Dillo Day and things like that, but we want a place that makes that feeling available for students all year round.”
In the course of the project, the students have talked to many administrators and found them to be rather open to proposals.
“I wouldn’t say they’re going along with it, but they have been very receptive to all of our ideas,” Gaylord said. “They’ve been extraordinarily helpful. We’ve talked to the president and most of the provosts.”
McCormick senior Pete Conrad said the 44 members of the class spoke to almost the entire NU administration.
“From senior administration down to facilities management, someone has talked to them,” he said.
The students have designed a specific proposal for the administration but said things still are subject to change.
“This is a very detailed, thought-out suggestion, and the administration can take all of it, part of it or none of it,” Alvis said.
The project would cost $4 million to $8 million, and there is no timetable yet for implementation.
The class members also said it is important for students to voice their opinions at the March 11 meeting. The meeting will be in Ryan Family Auditorium and will be open to the public. It will begin at 4 p.m. with a 25-minute presentation followed by questions from the audience.
Other potential projects the class considered this year included an undergraduate business school, major changes to the shuttle system, an NU online dating service, CTECs for companies and grab-and-go food stands around campus.
