HSC unveils improvements to lecture halls, restaurants

When first-year College of Medicine student Brittany Sorensen takes a much-needed coffee break from her classes, she goes to the Sun Terrace and its new Starbucks, where she can relax in a sunny, cheery spot.

Health Science Center students, faculty and staff celebrated the Sun Terrace’s recent transformation Sept. 1 with a dedication ceremony complete with free samples from the various eateries.

“What we’ve made here is a destination, a place people want to be,” said Ed Poppell, vice president for business affairs and economic development.

As part of the project, a full-service Starbucks, Panda Express and Salad Creations were added. The Communicore Building lobby and seven lecture halls on the building’s first floor, which seat between 80 to 180 people, also were renovated.

David Guzick, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president for health affairs and president of the UF&Shands Health System, said the new Sun Terrace is a place where students can relax between classes and where faculty can conduct meetings in a comfortable setting.

He said the new changes provide a vibrant new path to learning, and he thanked all of those who put their time and energy into making the project possible.

Ayisha Buckley, a 21-year-old student in the College of Medicine, said she thinks the expansion looks fantastic. “I come here every single day for lunch,” she said. “It’s a place for us to come hang out and unwind.”

Dennis Hines, an associate director for administrative support in the Office of the Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, said the improvements will help students, faculty, staff and patients get the most out of the complex.

“There’s a lot going on,” he said, “and it’s all for the benefit of our students, faculty and staff and patients.”