Smith Community Gathers for Unveiling of Undergraduate Student Lounge

Music and chatter filled the basement of Van Munching Hall as students, faculty and staff gathered for the unveiling of the new undergraduate student lounge on Monday, Feb. 2, 2015, at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland. 

The Office of Career Services (OCS) and Office of Undergraduate Studies hosted the fun-filled event, in collaboration with the Smith Undergraduate Student Association (SUSA) and the Dean’s Student Advisory Council (DSAC). 

Complete with computer charging stations, group study rooms, offices, tables and couches, the lounge will serve as a space for both teamwork and relaxation. 

“The undergraduate student lounge is really part of a vision Dean Victor Mullins has for the Smith School,” explained Emily Heavin, associate director, Undergraduate Program. “It’s all about developing communication amongst undergraduates and making it a place where everyone feels like they can contribute and have a place in our Smith family.” 

Enthusiastic students assembled behind a long, red ribbon spanning the entrance to the lounge. Before cutting the ribbon, Ashlee Kerkhoff, director of undergraduate programming, OCS, described the positive impact the space will have on Smith undergraduates. 

“I’m so thrilled that this lounge is finally opening,” she announced to the crowd. “This dedicated physical space for all Smith undergraduates allows students to come together to learn, socialize and build community. Having student leadership offices for SUSA and DSAC will also encourage increased collaboration and enhanced leadership and community efforts across student groups.” 

Clad with oversized scissors and palpable excitement, Heavin and Kerkhoff cut the red ribbon, marking the official opening of Smith’s undergraduate student lounge. The undergraduate community spent the remainder of the evening socializing and exploring the lounge’s amenities. 

“This lounge is something we’ve needed for a while, so I’m really glad it’s finally open,” explained sophomore supply chain and marketing major Luke Makris. “It’s such a great space for both social and academic purposes.” 

The undergraduate student lounge is located in the basement of Van Munching Hall and can be accessed via the staircase next to the Office of Undergraduate Studies (Room 1570).