The Louise Hancock Owens Student Center features a brand new space to make students feel at home: The Tiger’s Den.
Brenau officials, including the Student Development and Engagement staff, cut the ribbon on the new student lounge on Friday, Aug. 26.
“We are bringing the students back to the Owens Student Center,” Debra Dobkins, assistant vice president and dean of The Women’s College, told students at the ribbon cutting. “We’re really hoping that this will be a great space for y’all to hang out or rest, relax and talk, or just to catch up with each other.”
A reception followed, complete with karaoke and snacks. Students were excited to see the space, which is on the terrace level of Owens, down the hall from the campus post office and the commuter lounge. The Tiger’s Den was designed and renovated specifically for students, with new carpeting, paint, light fixtures, and furniture.
“It’s clean and nice, it’s cute, it’s the vibe,” senior fashion design major Michaela Cope said. “And it’s really spacious.”
Cope and her friends said they had been looking forward to seeing the new lounge, and were the first students at the door for Friday’s reception.
The furniture for the new space was made possible by donations raised for the 2023 Senior Class Gift. Additionally, Brenau’s Alumni Board matched the money raised by the class of 2023 for the outfiting of the space.
The space previously was art storage, and at one point was the old bookstore. Now, it boasts an open floor plan for campus events and social gatherings. Students can relax with friends on new leather couches with a television and options for video game hookups. A large private study room offers a refuge for late-night cram sessions or group project meetings. In the main room, students can recharge between classes or events using the multi-device charging station or refuel in the kitchenette.
“There will also be a refrigerator, microwave and single-serve coffee maker added to the space,” Vice President of Student Development and Engagement Whitney McDowell-Robinson said. “And, we’ll be adding computer and printing options.”
The lounge is called The Tiger’s Den, referencing the university mascot, and the name was voted on by students during the first week of classes.
“I would absolutely use this place to study,” sophomore biology major Trinity Henderson said. “Every day!”
The lounge is open from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays for students, with extended hours planned during exams.
