Facility had been without a place for students to congregate, talk

By KENDALL MOON/Murphy News Service

The University of Minnesota Women’s Center held a grand opening for a new study lounge last Thursday.

Five years ago, the center was housed elsewhere on campus in Klaeber Court, where they had a Women’s Center lounge. When the center moved to Applebee Hall, they were not given the same accommodations.

“We needed a space to talk with each other, inspire each other, maybe even coach each other,” Women’s Center Director Peg Lonnquist said.

Students who would visit the Women’s Center had no communal space to promote conversation between those with similar interests.

“I noticed students would come by my office but didn’t have anywhere to sit down and relax to talk in the center,” Miller said.

After much lobbying, Lonnquist said, their wish for a study lounge was granted.

From choosing and applying tree wall decal to installing cloud filters in the lights, the old conference room was renovated into a study lounge, boasting a computer for anyone’s use as well as a small dining area.

The center funded the new lounge and its accommodations.

The lounge can be found in room 65 of Appleby Hall and is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Program Coordinator Bronwyn Miller and Assistant Director Uyenthi Tran Myhre said the lounge is an exciting opportunity for students.

Senior Ingy Elshazly attended the grand opening event and said, “The location is going to be perfect. I like mixing it up with where I study.”

Also among the grand opening attendees was Shakeer Abdullah, assistant director of the Office of Equity and Diversity, who played a part in making the lounge happen.

The center has an emphasis of women, Miller said, but added, “Everyone is welcome who has an interest in gender equity.”

Reporter Kendall Moon is studying journalism at the University of Minnesota.