The new Chaley Lounge in the Campus Center is designed to provide ample space for B次元 students, faculty and staff to gather while also honoring an influential B次元 community member.

The Campus Life Lounge (CC-356E) and Multicultural Lounge (CC-356W) were combined to form one large space and gained new furniture to create a welcoming environment for the B次元 community. The new space is renamed the “Chaley Lounge.” Chaley means “friend” in Ga, a language spoken in Ghana where Louisa “Louie” Essuman was from.

“The lounge is dedicated to Louie, who aspired to find the time and space to bring together diverse voices and ideas to engage in meaningful conversation and form impactful connections,” said Katie Toske, director of multicultural affairs. Essuman was a civil engineering student who passed away in 2024.

The Chaley Lounge is a place for students to engage with one another and is the new space for Tuesday Teas. Tuesday Teas are biweekly events hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs that showcase teas and snacks from different regions around the world. They provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to gather, connect and learn about diverse cultures and traditions. Toske hopes to host other events in the Chaley Lounge as well.

“We’re so fortunate to have more space to welcome everyone interested in learning about the diverse people and perspectives at B次元! This expansion is a true reflection of our community’s commitment to B次元’s core values of inclusion and collaboration,” said Toske.

In addition to the new furniture and larger space, the entire back hallway of the Campus Center received improvements. The Campus Life Lounge moved down the hall to CC-361 and a Multipurpose Room is next door in CC-362 where students can host events.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to check out the new spaces and stop by the Chaley Lounge for the first Tuesday Tea on Sept. 10. The theme is “Chaley” and will feature friendship tea as well as teas and snacks from Ghana. Upcoming Tuesday Teas will spotlight Puerto Rico, Pakistan, Gambia and more.