The common space shared by first-year residences, Crudup and Van Hoose halls, was refreshed over the summer with help from the Brenau Alumni Association.
The two residence halls are joined by a large common area that includes a lounge, pool table and kitchenette. The Alumni Association provided the funding for new furniture, including two three-seat couches, two two-seat couches, a large reading chair and ottoman, a conference table with electrical outlets, eight office chairs, lamps, end tables, a coffee table and a 65-inch smart television.
“As alumni, we know that some of the most meaningful parts of the college experience happen outside the classroom, in the spaces where students gather, connect, study, laugh and build lifelong friendships,” Dawn Marie Bernhard, WC ‘98, alumni association board president, said. “Our board was excited not only to fund this project, but also to have members return to campus to help assemble and set up the furniture. It’s a small but tangible way for alumni to stay connected to Brenau while investing in the students who are creating their own Brenau memories today.
Director of Alumni Engagement Emily Reid said refreshing student spaces also contributes to student retention.
“We want all of our students to have a home away from home and a place they can study, socialize, or just get out of their rooms for a little while,” Reid said. “The alumni association board is dedicated to making sure current students have comfortable and accessible places to build community or study with friends. Our first-year students especially benefit from these spaces as they adapt to college life, and Crudup and Van Hoose lounge is the largest community space on campus for first-year residents.”
The Alumni Association Board has previously contributed to several endowed scholarships and campus beautification projects, including refreshing another residence hall common area last year. The board also provides for outdoor campus beautification, including planters for local flora and benches.
More information about the board, including how to get involved and upcoming events, is available on the Alumni webpage.
