Students' return re-energizes campus, community
Monday, January 11, 2016 2:00 AM
News
Pittsburg, KS
The spring 2016 semester at Pittsburg State began on Monday, Jan. 11, following a month-long winter break, and campus and community alike are excited for the students' return.
“I absolutely love that feeling a new semester brings,” said PSU President Steve Scott. “Whether it’s in the warmth of August or the cold of January, having the students back on campus fills everyone with new life and new excitement for what’s to come. It reminds us all just how lucky we are to be at a place like Pittsburg State.”
The start of a new semester doesn’t just bring a revived energy to Pitt State's campus, it also adds new life to the community.
“Just as it’s quite noticeable when PSU students leave for break, it’s also pleasantly obvious when they’ve returned,” said Blake Benson, president of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce and economic development director for the City of Pittsburg. “The students bring so much life and energy to the community, and it’s always nice to have them back in town.”
Local businesses such as Gusano's Pizzeria, located just five minutes from campus, enjoy elevated business when students return to town.
“Gusano's is a very family oriented restaurant, so a majority of our business comes from local community members and families,” said Kendal Stark, assistant manager at Gusano’s in Pittsburg. “With students returning, we are excited for our daytime sales to pick back up. We have a lot of students who come in between classes to order one of our lunch specials or for a quick bite to eat off our buffet.”
Benson said the local economy is boosted each semester by the presence of PSU students.
“It has been conservatively estimated that each student brings more than $10,000 to the local economy each year,” he said. “Having the students in town benefits our retail stores, restaurants, gas stations, movie theater -- everyone. However, as important as this economic impact is, it’s the enthusiasm and energy they bring to our community that make them so invaluable.”