The Pizza Place re-dedicated as "Jay's Place."

“There were really three things Jay could not live without: cheese, duct tape and humor,” said Andrea Leebron-Clay, mother of Jay Wolkin ’99. “So, it was difficult when we were trying to decide how to remember a guy who lived so fully. Jon Strauss and the team here at HMC were amazing at helping us to transform what we felt and what we knew Jay would really appreciate into a reality, and that’s Jay’s Place.”

Members of Jay’s family and the HMC community gathered March 3 to celebrate the grand opening of the renovated campus eatery, formerly known as The Little Pizza Place. The Clays contributed funds to renovate the venue in remembrance of Wolkin, who died in an airplane crash shortly before he was to graduate in 1999.

The makeover included an updated entrance, renovated pizza kitchen, an ice cream sandwich service area, pool tables, dart boards and updated sunken seating area with wheelchair accessibility.

Vice President and Dean of Students Jeanne Noda said Jay’s Place benefits all Claremont Colleges students and renews the longstanding HMC tradition of having the late night dining facility at The Claremont Colleges. The eatery serves pizza, sandwiches, soft drinks and snacks until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, “and business is booming until closing when the last pizza comes out of the oven,” Noda said.

“On behalf of those of us who knew Jay,” said Noda,  “I’d like to say this is truly a fitting memorial, a place of companionship and laughter. I can’t imagine anyplace better for Jay.”

Stormy Setback for Hoch-Shanahan Dining Commons

The Hoch-Shanahan Dining Commons was to be in full operation when students returned to campus March 20 following Spring Break, but the heavy winter rains contributed to setbacks. “There were many more rain days this year than expected and planned for in the schedule for the building,” said Tom Shaffer, plant engineer. “For every rain event, there is a loss of work prior to the storm to prepare and protect the building against water damage, as well as clean up and dry out after the rain.”

The transition from Platt Campus Center to the new dining hall will be made at the end of the spring semester. Said President Jon Strauss, “We will, however, attempt to cater some year-end events there so everyone will be able to see and appreciate this wonderful new facility.”