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Olney Central College students have a new place to relax and grab a snack between classes — The Keep Student Lounge.
Located in Room 207A on Wattleworth Hall’s second floor, the newly dedicated student space includes study tables, comfy chairs, a microwave, a fully-stocked refrigerator and a Keurig coffee maker. Students also have access to a food pantry with microwaveable meals and a variety of snack items. The room is available to all students from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
A service project of Phi Theta Kappa, its members have been working to transform the former office since spring semester.
“This is a great space for students to study, talk and get something to eat,” said PTK member Jiazhen “Cookie” Zerrusen. “It gives PTK a nice way to support students. It breaks the traditional idea of student services like a library or computers. Supporting students isn’t just providing financial aid — it can be nice, cozy little things like this.”
The room also features a Little Free Library cart where students can take and exchange books. Students also can view upcoming events on the room’s bulletin board, and OCC clubs are encouraged to post announcements.
“I think it’s cool I helped create something that will be here after I’m gone,” said PTK President Robert Wray, who worked on the project over the summer with Zerrusen. “This is going to be a great space for our students.”
The lounge opened on Aug. 18 and PTK Advisor Kaitlyn Weger said the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Students are using it and we hope they are enjoying it,” she said. “We want to thank Maintenance for their help in putting up shelving and tables and painting the walls. They were a huge help in completing the project.”
Earlier this month, The Master’s Hands in Olney donated food items to restock the food pantry.
PTK is currently accepting individually packaged and microwavable food and drink items for the student lounge. Donations can be dropped off at the library circulation desk.
