An unexpected conversation unfolds, in Spanish, between a mathematical genius and an art aficionado. The pair chatters excitedly about their shared love of Spanish rap. This is only one example of the many unique interactions that spontaneously arise every day at Pomona’s Oldenborg Center for Modern Languages and International Relations. At the heart of Oldenborg lunches is an eclectic mix of professors and students — many of whom would never otherwise have the chance to meet — who engage in deep conversation about a wide range of subjects.
While it is predominantly known across campus for its lively lunch hour, Oldenborg is far more than a college dining hall. As the home to over a hundred students and the heart of many foreign language programs at Pomona College, Oldenborg has long held an important role at the Claremont Colleges.
The significance of Oldenborg as a community space is partially why the news of its impending demolition, alongside a $125 million plan to build the Center for Global Engagement (CGE), came as a shock to many students. This hefty undertaking will significantly impact Pomona student housing and means saying goodbye to a 60-year-old institution that has meant so much to so many over the decades.
In Oldenborg’s final weeks, students have begun expressing their gratitude for the language center. As an Oldenborg resident, Georgia King PO ’28 reflected on the long history of her current home.
“I think that the building itself holds so much history … like with the international theater, there [are] all these photos on the walls of every language resident who has stayed in Oldenborg and worked there,” King said. “So, I think, just as a piece of history, Oldenborg is something that I’ll miss and reminisce on fondly when I’m thinking about my living experience sophomore year.”
Adelina Grotenhuis PO ’28, another second-year student living in Oldenborg, described how that sense of history shapes her connection to Pomona.
“Whenever people ask where I live, I’m like, ‘Oldie’ … because it’s kind of old [and] has a lot of tradition and history,” Grotenhuis said. “I feel very connected to the school because [Oldenborg is] such an iconic part of Pomona.”
While Oldenborg serves as a home for King and Grotenhuis, just two of approximately 130 residents, it is most widely known for its daily language conversation tables.
Lauren Staples HM ‘28 initially attended Oldenborg lunches for her Spanish class, but after experiencing its warm, inclusive environment, came to view it as more than just a requirement.
“I think that Oldenburg represents a place where a lot of students feel like they can be themselves and express a part of their identity that comes with native language, [which] they might not get to express very often,” Staples said.
The process of designing an inviting, non-judgemental space — one that brings together people with varying levels of language proficiency — can be laden with obstacles. Oldenborg, however, manages to make inclusivity feel natural. Staples spoke about how the tables have helped her grow more confident.
“I always felt welcomed to join any table, even if I wasn’t on the same level of language as those who were sitting there, because they were really understanding and helpful with developing my language skills,” she said.
The kindness Staples described finding at language tables offers a significant insight into the larger Oldenborg community. Oldenborg resident Max Liu PO ’28 echoed this sense of warmth, describing the dorm as especially close-knit.
“I feel like it’s a little too much to say, but [Oldenborg has] a safe-haven-ish vibe,” he said. “Oldenborg is still, I [won’t] say majority, but maybe leaning towards international students, and for me, that [feels] a little more [like] a close community compared to all the other dorms.”
For many, Oldenborg’s communal nature stems from the physical proximity of everything — with living spaces, dining and programming all intertwined. Grotenhuis described the merits of this structure, while also noting concerns about the temporary relocation during construction.
“I think having the dining hall and the dorms where all the language residents live in one place is really nice because it creates a unifying place,” Grotenhuis said. “Whereas next year, with [resident halls] being [at] Lowry, but then Frank [hosting] language tables, it’s not the same. I’ll miss having that one, very unifying space for cultural and language learning on campus.”
Even on relatively small college campuses, students described how this kind of living situation, where everything is centralized, is rare. Liu reflected on how living in Oldenborg differs from the typical dorm experience.
“I think the other dorms [at Pomona] are just dorms; people do their stuff outside and come back,” Liu said. “But [at] Oldenborg, a lot of people’s activities are centered here … there’s definitely something more than just living [and] sleeping here.”
The integration of culture and language is what makes Oldenborg distinctive. For King, full cultural immersion is one of the most meaningful parts of living in Oldenborg.
“The cultural moments that all the language residents have are open to all students…if they are [making] origami in the Japanese lounge, then you can go and participate in that activity,” she said. “So there [are] no boundaries between languages and culture; everything is mixed together, which is really nice.”
These small but meaningful events regularly bring people together, emphasizing how the linguistic exchange built into Oldenborg’s structure facilitates cross-cultural connection in a unique way.
“I think language is one of the things that stays with you,” Liu said. “Even if the vocab itself doesn’t, it’s still really [about] connecting to the culture. You get exposure to a different experience, [and] you get to talk to people more.”
With Oldenborg’s closure approaching, many students across campus have been discussing the same question: Will the cozy, distinctive presence of Oldenborg disappear along with the building?
Some students are unsure whether Oldenborg’s character can be fully translated into the new building. Grotenhuis voiced her deep appreciation for the building’s idiosyncrasies and her hope that they will be reflected in the CGE.
“I hope that Oldenborg doesn’t lose its character and history, [and that] it doesn’t become like every other building on campus,” she said. “It has a very endearing quality [and] a very warm energy.”
“I think that Oldenborg is very close to a lot of people’s hearts, not just the current students, but all of the people that have lived there and all of the language residents that have come here,” Grotenhuis said. “[For the] people that aren’t even at Pomona anymore, I think Oldenborg is really close to their hearts.”
Despite concerns, many students expressed a similar sentiment: Oldenborg may be disappearing physically, but the community it’s created is here to stay. For all the students and Language Residents who have called this building home, the physical demolition does not erase the memories they’ve shared together.
“I think that Oldenborg is very close to a lot of people’s hearts, not just the current students, but all of the people that have lived there and all of the language residents that have come here,” Grotenhuis said. “[For the] people that aren’t even at Pomona anymore, I think Oldenborg is really close to their hearts.”
Facebook Comments