A store that students can call their own—literally.
The Galley opened its doors this semester at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The convenience store was proposed, chosen and funded by students and Housing and Food Services (HFS). The campus' Student Government Association allocated $1.1 million to the project.
At approximately 1,600 square feet, The Galley is the biggest convenience store in the Penn State system. It's located next to Bruno's -- a café in the Reed Union Building -- and is a one-stop shop for snack foods, toiletries and other student needs.
The investment will benefit Behrend students in a few ways. First, it provides them with a convenient shop that fits their many needs. It also affords them a long-term payback that benefits future Behrend students financially.
According to Behrend HFS Director Mike Lindner, HFS typically pays rent for the space their operations are located in. The department will still pay rent for The Galley, but the money goes into the student facility fee fund.
"Students were polled on changes they wanted to see on campus," he said. "A convenience store was at the top of their list."