The Brenau Alumni Association Board funded a refresh of the student lounge in West Hall residence hall, including new furniture and decor.
“As alumni, we know the friendships made while pursuing higher education can last a lifetime,” Alumni Association Board President Jessi Shrout, Ed.D., WC ’04, BU ’22, said. “We want our residential students to make the most of those friendships and have a space for those joyful moments of togetherness while they’re living on campus.”
The lounge has a new suite of furniture, a new television, floor lamps, and expanded electrical outlets, including a high-rise, multi-seat counter with charging ports.
Shrout, who is also the department chair of math and science, said as students’ needs evolve in the classroom, they also have evolving needs in residential spaces.
“Students use laptops, tablets, and their phones to do their schoolwork now, so it helps to have more electrical outlets and comfortable seating available to study somewhere other than your room,” Shrout said. “It also gives them a comfortable place to spend time together, whether they’re streaming a movie, doing homework, or just talking and bonding.”
Director of Alumni Engagement Emily Reid, MBA, said the goal was to make the lounge look more like a home living room.
“We are grateful for the generosity of our alumni board and our alumni community for providing the funding for this refreshed space,” Reid said. “Many of our alumni say that Brenau is a second home to them, so we wanted to expand on that environment for our current students.”
Students will begin moving into West Hall and other residence halls next week. The Alumni Association Board has previously contributed to several endowed scholarships and campus beautification, from outdoor planters to new furniture in student spaces. More information about the board, including how to get involved and upcoming events, is available on the Alumni webpage.
