The division of student affairs hosted the grand opening of The Union Dawg House Coffee Shoppe on Jan. 28. The schedule of events included an appearance by 2002 Miss USA Shauntay Hinton, a jazz pianist and an open mic nite sponsored by Campus Activities Board.
The Dawg House opened in the Union’s old bowling alley on Jan. 6. Adorned with rectangular tables, chairs and intimate lighting, the shoppe presents an inviting atmosphere that offers varieties of coffee, cappuccino, hot-teas and their house specialty, Jubilation’s Cheesecake.
Usually on MSU’s campus the only things to receive renovation are entire buildings where classes and lectures are held, but the newest addition to the student area should receive much attention.
Kelly Nesbit, assistant director of The Colvard Student Union and CAB commented on the usefulness of the recently renovated area.
“This is going to be a great addition for our students. They can come in, relax and have a place to hang out between classes instead of going back home,” said Nesbit.
MSU senior and CAB student director Jordan Rinehart agrees with Nesbit on students utilizing the area.
“I think it’s going to be well used. It’s a more collegiate atmosphere than what used to be there,” said Rinehart. “Students are already coming in and taking advantage of the room by doing homework and relaxing in between classes.”
As the festivities rolled on, the opening welcomed Miss USA 2002 Shauntay Hinton. Although she was crowned as representing the District of Columbia, Hinton is originally from Starkville.
“Starkville is the greatest place to grow up and I am thankful for the love and support the town has given to me. Starkville helped mold me into the person that I am today and that means so much,”said Hinton.
Upon graduation from Starkville High School in 1997, Hinton expanded her horizons and began college at Howard University in Washington, D.C. At Howard she received a degree in broadcast journalism and business administration.
She entered for Miss USA online and became the first Miss USA to do so.
“The hardest process of the pageant is being confident in your interview and to stand true in what you believe in. You have to be quick on your feet and be composed in all social settings,” said Hinton.
After being crowned she moved to New York City where she currently lives with Miss Universe 2002 and Miss Teen USA 2002.
During her reign Hinton’s worked for breast cancer research, the homelessness foundation and muscular dystrophy.
“Seeing that I have helped these people gives me the inspiration to go on and to continue to make a difference,” Hinton said.
In March Hinton will crown Miss USA 2003 in San Antonio, Texas.
“My journey as Miss USA has been a bittersweet one and in March I will embark on new adventures,” Hinton said.
Her upcoming plans are to work in the entertainment industry and possibly be a host for a reality show to be aired in the fall.