He didn't spend the tuition windfall to shift the professor-to-student
ratio or overhaul the curriculum. Instead, he covered the campus in
cafés, beautiful study spaces, and nicer dorms. Trachtenberg thought
that construction on campus gave the appearance that the school was
financially sound and was progressing toward a goal, so his policy was,
"Never stop building." If he wanted to erect or renovate two buildings,
he would stagger the projects so that jackhammers could be heard
constantly around campus. He also introduced a three-day orientation,
known as Colonial Inauguration, that featured ice-cream socials, casino
nights, and a laser show that cost $2,500 per minute.