Simpson Announces Pfeiffer Dining/Great Hall Renovation

The Simpson College Board of Trustees has approved the renovations of Pfeiffer Dining Hall and adjacently located Great Hall. The combined $10 million project is set to begin in November and be completed in Fall 2026.

Interim President Sue Stuebner says the facilities will have a major impact on elevating the Simpson student experience, carrying forward a vital initiative established under the leadership of President Jay Byers, who passed away April 17.

“This project will provide tremendous value to the entire Simpson community while greatly strengthening our ability to recruit and retain students. We are building great momentum with facility enhancements across campus, as we continue to grow our investment in the Simpson student experience.”

The project calls for a complete transformation of the Pfeiffer and Great Hall building’s interior. The renovated dining hall will feature a new entrance and flow through the reimagined space, as well as fresh furnishings, flooring and décor. New lighting and windows will brighten the dining experience, while redesigned serving stations will offer a rich variety of expanded menu options. Finally, a new north side dining patio will offer rewarding views of campus and Buxton Park.

Great Hall will be restored with an innovative blend of historic and contemporary features designed to create a vibrant gathering space. Wooden ceiling beams and bay windows will be preserved, along with beautiful antique lighting. The integration of new lighting options and windows will create an inviting, open feel to the space. Plans also call for the return of stage space for hosting music recitals, small concerts, and other special events. Moveable soft seating and small tables will also be added to provide students with another great space on campus for individual and collaborative study or just grabbing a snack and relaxing.

“Our students will be thrilled by what these reimagined spaces will bring to daily life on campus,” said Matt Hansen, vice president of Student Development and Dean of Students. “This is a timely opportunity to take dining and community-building to the next level — I can’t wait to see it all come to fruition.”

For more information, including how to support these projects through financial gifts, please contact Interim Vice President for Advancement Chris Goodale at chris.goodale@simpson.edu or Executive Director of Advancement Andy English at andy.english@simpson.edu. You can also visit www.simpson.edu/renovations to learn more.