Russell Sage Commuters Receive New Lounge By: Samantha Brierley

Those who commute to Russell Sage College can now enjoy their own space in the new commuter lounge. Located on the first floor of Gurley Hall, the commuter lounge is the new “home” for commuting students.

“Russell Sage residents have the opportunity to go back to their apartment or dorms in between classes and the commuters don’t have that luxury; They have a locker room, which is across from the current commuter lounge, but that did not provide them with much space. ” Said Kaitlyn Erdle, graduate assistantto Student Development Coordinator, Diane Angrisano.

The new commuter lounge debuted on September 30, 2009. The commuter lounge was formerly the faculty lounge of professors at the college. The faculty left the furniture for the students, which includes: two large couches, a table with plenty of chairs, flat screen television, and two computers. Since the professors decided to donate their lounge to the commuters, little money was needed for the opening, and Student Development donated the rest.

Coordinator of Student Development and Campus Programming, Diane Angrisano arranged the new lounge after commuting students expressed their interest in one. The former commuter lounge, which is directly across from the new lounge, is still there. The former lounge includes a microwave, lockers, small couch and table. Commuters can still relax in the former lounge, but prefer the new one.

“The commuters seem to be very thankful and pleased with the lounge,” Erdle said.

Amanda Haskins, a commuter and sophomore majoring in Biology said, “I love the new commuter lounge because I’m on campus all hours of the day, and it’s so nice to have a place where I can take a nap and watch T.V.”

The commuter lounge is also a meeting place for those who are part of the commuter board. Members of the board discuss events they want to have like chair massages, which will take place in December and also events around the school.