Classes start tomorrow at Mesa State College. I predict you will soon see news articles about record enrollment, dorms at capacity, etc. These are quickly becoming another one of our institutional traditions. As a faculty member at the college, I take pride in our growth. The college has worked hard to provide the best mix of facilities, services, faculty, staff and education in the state. More and more incoming students and their families are recognizing the value of education offered at MSC.

For students new to the area, I will offer a few dining tips within walking distance of the campus. (I'll skip the fast food chains. They will make their presence known.) 

12th Street:
Kannah Creek Brewing has great individual-sized pizzas, sandwiches and salads. If you are not of age, they also offer their own root beer and orange soda.

For more traditional pies, try Aldo's Pizza. Just next door you can get a sandwich at The Pita Pit.

North Avenue:
Try the many varieties of tacos at El Tapatio. A few doors west, you can get pizza by the slice or an amazing hot pastrami and provolone at Diorio's. J's Philly Steaks, located on the first floor of the new dorms at 10th and North, serves up some tasty steak sandwiches. More or less directly across the street you can get cheap Chinese food at Chopstix Express (aka "buck-a-scoop").

Of course, there is also the on-campus dining provided by Sodexho. In October, the new student center will open. I toured the facilities last Thursday and was very impressed. For students on the meal plan, there will be a salad station, pizza oven, sandwich bar, carving station, grill and a vegetarian station. For cash customers, there is a coffee shop, c-store, grill, pizza oven and an area featuring local foods.

And if you find you have acquired the dreaded "freshman 10," head over to the Maverick Center, where you will find treadmills, stairs, rowing machines, weights, a climbing wall, swimming pool and, of course, smoothies.