To the Editor:
In regards to the article about campus housing renovations ("Campus housing to be renovated, transformed," Feb. 13), I feel compelled to write a brief note about the conversion of Perkins Hall from first-year to upperclassman housing. As Margaret Klawunn, vice president for campus life and student services, stated in the article, Perkins is very far from the center of campus. However, I was disappointed to read her general statement that "most students dislike living in Perkins" due to the geography of the dorm.
On the contrary, I believe the location of Perkins provides a truly unique first-year experience that not only isn't replicated elsewhere at Brown, but is also a tremendously positive one for its first-year residents. The community and friendships that are naturally formed at Perkins each freshman year are formidable. Case in point: During my senior year, more than 50 percent of my freshman year unit still lived together. What other dorm or unit can boast that incredible retention of first-year relationships? Plus, we had the best freshman access to the real Bagel Gourmet just down the street.
I understand the University's struggle with upperclassman housing, and admittedly Perkins does present an attractive option. I only wish to defend the first-year experience that Perkins provided to years of Brown's finest and to celebrate its tenure as a home for first-years. A unique and formative part of the Brown experience will no longer be available, and it is bittersweet to this alum to hear of its conversion.
Ben Friedman '09
