Through the efforts of several student groups and other organizations on Grounds, the under-utilized Newcomb Hall informal lounge soon will be transformed from drab to fab through the creation of a new Diversity Center.
"The purpose is to provide a resource space for programming, lounging and relaxing," Minority Rights Coalition Chair M. Bruce said.
The Class of 1996 created the idea for a "Center for Cultural Fluency" and allocated funds for its development with its class gift. Second-year Darden student and former Class of 1996 president Julie Robey said the idea for the center ultimately percolated to the top of the list of proposals for the class gift.
"This was a really important topic for our class, and we voted on it and decided that this would be our class gift," she said.
Since then, the idea was expanded on by numerous student groups and other organizations. The Minority Rights Coalition proposed the renovation of the informal lounge last January, and the decision was finalized in March.
The center is set to open Feb. 1, 2004.
Student leaders and other officials involved in the project emphasized that all aspects of the center, from decor to programming, will be wholly determined by the University community.
"We want the community to tell us what really should happen in this space," said Bill Ashby, associate dean of students and director of Newcomb Hall and Student Activities.
Students can suggest potential names and themes for the center as well as submit various art forms such as poetry, prose, painting, sculpture and photography to be displayed in the room.
"It's the hardest thing in the world to think of a good name," Ashby said. "So please, please help us."
Ashley Milton, short courses chair of the University Programs Council, emphasized the importance of student input in shaping the center.
"Anyone can bring their stuff in here and present it," Milton said. "It's open to everyone, and we're hoping that they'll come in here and define diversity for themselves."
The center will be multi-functional and will serve as a venue for diversity-related issues to be discussed. Additionally, student groups can submit requests to reserve the space for meetings, performances, speakers or other programs.
Ashby said the space will house social and intellectual activity similar to a "classical Greek forum."
"This is a place where we should be asking 'why' a lot," he said. "There is always a deeper meaning."
The space will be completely remodeled in the coming months to create what Bruce called an "equipped space." The new center will have soft chairs, and everything will be on wheels to keep the room flexible, Ashby said.
One of the main attractions of the space will be the "Window to the World" -- a 61-inch plasma television.
Bruce said she hopes the room will be a place unlike any other at the University.
"There aren't many places for students to hang out, and the informal lounge is barely used in its current form," she said. "Hopefully it's going to feel like a very unique space unlike anywhere else on Grounds."
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