To the Editor:

The vision of a University Center in Healy basement belongs to Sue Palmer Johnson, the director of Student Activities in the early 1970s.  I was fortunate to work with her, other administrators, and many fellow students in opening the Café in 1973 and the Pub in 1974.  Since those beginnings, numerous friendships were made and fond memories now shared by the many employees and patrons of the Café and Pub during its 14 year existence.

However, the issue today is not about the past, but of the future.  There is an apparent need for student study and social space.  There is also a need for a recognized place where students, faculty, administrators and alumni can interact with one another in a common setting.  A centralized gathering place, such as a café and pub, is fundamental to the university experience.

The brilliance of this proposal, not fully appreciated 38 years ago, is the synergy of a gathering place for the university community with iconic Healy Hall, which is the very image of Georgetown University.  Such a combination will enrich the Georgetown experience for all of us, throughout our lives.  Please support the proposal to bring back Healy Pub.