By Mimi Ramirez

Sheldon Bean has called Wells West home for the past two years.

“It has been a good experience to meet a mix of people and be exposed to all different groups and lifestyles,” Bean said.

Because Bean had such a great experience living in Wells West his freshman year, he decided to not only live there his sophomore year but, also, become involved in Residence Hall Association and Leadership Involvement Team.

In both of these organizations, Bean is one of many students that act as a representative for students living in residence halls. Bean recommends that all students interested in becoming involved in the Whitewater campus community join RHA or LIT as a way to meet new people.

What Bean enjoys most about living in Wells West is the diverse representation of students.

“When you walk down the halls you are able to really get a taste of all the different people that go to Whitewater…there is an awesome atmosphere and sense of community,” Bean said.

Brandon Blakely, the complex director of Wells West, also emphasized the effect diversity has on the experience of a Wells West resident.

“Diversity is what makes Wells West unique … because of the size of Wells there is so much student diversity and so many different activities the students could participate in,” says Blakely.

From the perspective of a complex director who oversees many events in Wells, Blakely believes the variety of events and activities hosted throughout Wells provides students with several opportunities to become involved and meet other students from both similar and different backgrounds.

Other than being one of the tallest buildings on campus, many students do not know much about Wells West.

Wells West was completed in 1966. It is named after Cord O. Wells, who served positions on campus such as vice president of academic affairs, acting president, dean of instruction, registrar and professor of education from 1925 to 1968.

Because Wells West houses more students than any other residence hall on campus with a capacity for 595 students, it is no wonder both Bean and Blakely feel one of Wells West most dominant qualities is its diversity.

Wells has 334 rooms that are divided co-ed scattered or co-ed by wing. Because of the large number of students living in Wells, several different student organization and groups host activities throughout the academic year in the building.

On the main floor of Wells there are lounges available to students for group study, to use a computer, or play a game of pool with friends.

The first floor of Wells also hosts Jitters coffee house where singers and comedians perform throughout the year. Jitters is completely run by student volunteers and is home of the famous Oreo-gasm.

In the basement of Wells West there is a fitness center that offers students living on the east side of campus a convenient location to exercise.

It is clear through the variety of activities offered and the diverse group of residents, Wells West gives students a wide variety of experiences and a taste of college residence hall living.