And appreciation of this mixed community seems to be reciprocal. Just as KSG students say they believe the community involvement adds perspective, community members say they feel that KSG events allow them to learn about current events and hot-button issues.

Jim Lauper, a Boston resident attending a panel discussion this week, says he has been attending IOP events for years for the "intellectual enhancement" they offer.

And Willard S. Kasoff '99 says he finds the topics of the frequent speeches and panel discussions at the KSG "stimulating."

Kasoff adds that when big-name speakers come to the KSG--making seats in the small ARCO Forum hard to come by--the event is always broadcast in rooms elsewhere in the KSG.

In fact, the only complaint of Forum attendees is that the central space is not always adequate for the large crowds drawn when big-name speakers appear there.

Amy C. Dondero, assistant director of the ARCO Forum, says there have been conversations among Forum staff members about possibly rebuilding the space to accommodate more people.

"There's been talk about making renovations, and there have been discussions and meetings with architects," Dondero says. "But there are no definitive plans."