With The Atrium now fully in use, Ƶis beginning the next phase of this transition: retiring the Commons, which faithfully served the campus community for over 60 years.
It’s the end of an era for Ƶ: the Commons, a campus staple since February 1964, is being taken down this spring. In early January, construction crews began taking apart the interior of the building. Demolition of the exterior is scheduled for late February into early March, while most students are off campus for spring break.
For decades, the Commons served as a gathering place for food and community. Generations of students passed through its doors—grabbing food between classes, lingering over meals with friends, and forming memories that shaped their Ƶexperience.
Still, it was time for something new. Since opening this past fall, The Atrium has quickly become the vibrant centerpiece of campus life. Designed as both a dining hall and a community hub, the space reflects years of intentional planning aimed at supporting how students gather and build relationships today.
With The Atrium now fully in use, Ƶis beginning the next phase of this transition: retiring the Commons, which faithfully served the campus community for over 60 years.
“The Commons has been a hub of community and holds so many memories for generations of Ƶstudents,” says Derek Buteyn, associate dean of students. “At the same time, we’re already seeing how The Atrium is enhancing daily life for students—creating space not just to eat, but to connect, study, and build community together.”
Reflecting on the role the Commons played in shaping campus life for generations of students, The Voice of Ƶ, the university’s alumni and friends’ magazine, invites alumni to share their memories of time spent in the Commons. Alumni who wish to reflect on what the space meant to them are encouraged to contact Sarah Moss, editor of The Voice.
About Ƶ
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Ƶ equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Ƶis a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
Dr. Justin Ariel Bailey, dean of chapel at Ƶ, has written a new book. Discipling the Diseased Imagination, published by Baker Academic, is now available for purchase.
Ƶ students and faculty attended the regional American College Theatre Festival in Rochester, Minnesota, Jan. 18–24, where 14 Ƶstudents, along with several Theatre Arts faculty members, earned awards and recognition.
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