The “family” in Lund Family Hall signifies more than its philanthropic origins; it symbolizes the tight-knit campus community the hall has come to represent.
Tucked away in North Quad, Lund is UP’s newest dorm and exclusively houses junior and senior students.
As an upper-classmen-only hall, one wonders: How do you get a group of busy, nearly-graduated students to band together and keep the Wolfpack spark alive?
The answer lies in the hall’s close, family-style community. And after speaking with the hall director, RAs and residents, it’s clear that the culture of the hall is created and sustained by its members.
I interviewed Hall Director Jenna Morgan as she and her hall staff prepared for Lund’s December events. With the hall’s catchphrase being “strength of a pack,” these community events strive to build a tight-knit culture.
Morgan said her job has always been to support students in any way she can, and planning stress-free and fun community-building activities is one of the many ways she goes above and beyond to ensure residents feel strengthened by their community.
“I know these things look different in every hall, and I think that’s what makes it beautiful,” Morgan said. “The different communities that we have are so special,so figuring out, ‘What does it look like to build that and have spaces and events that invite different students in.’”
Read on to learn about the ways that Lund Family Hall created community in December.
Self-Care Saturday
To better support the personal care needs of students before finals week, Lund hosted “Self-Care Saturday in the Wolf Den,” a charming name for the hall’s communal space.
Residents were invited to come in from 8-10 p.m. to enjoy assorted holiday beverages like tea and hot cocoa.
Self-care essentials like face masks, lotion and chapstick were also available. This provided students with a safe, comforting place to take a deep, metaphorical breath before entering finals week.
Sophomore Lund resident Shauna Sundberg says this small outreach event with little gifts was the perfect gesture.
“It’s nice to feel supported, not just academically, but also in a more personal way,” Sundberg said.
Games with Will
Senior Resident Assistant (RA) Will Meritt invited members of Lund to a stress-free game night with snacks and a deck of cards the Sunday before finals week. The night centered around games of blackjack, bridge and the occasional game of pool.
The event gave students a much needed study break, and Meritt expressed his love for the growing community in Lund.
“Lund is made up of folks from all over the world and country, and we are all unique,” Meritt said. “Events like this tend to be more casual, and I appreciate the time to come together in a rejuvenating way.”
For Meritt, being an RA isn’t just about the job. His loyalty to residents runs deep and is shown through each and every interaction, whether it’s viciously dominating in a game of billiards or watching friendships form over cards.
Coloring sheets + more
In lieu of Monday night’s after-Mass social, RA Ihlara Williamson led a coloring night for residents. Students could pick up a coloring sheet and markers and focus on de-stressing.
Many members of Lund took this opportunity to reconnect with friends and staff. The focus was on the tranquilizing experience rather than the final outcome of the activity. Students colored various relaxing patterns and characters, reverting back to younger versions of themselves for the task at hand.
Lund residents gather around a fire and roast marshmallows. Photo courtesy of Jenna Morgan.
Karaoke & Kookies with hall council
A perfect blend of treats and tunes, ‘Karaoke & Kookies’ gave students and staff a chance to let loose and release their inner pop star. Even if you feel more like Fergie singing the national anthem, all voices were welcome, regardless of skill level.
On this quiet Tuesday night, the sound of college students singing “Party in the U.S.A.” filled the North Quad. Displays of confidence and courage were seen throughout the night as people braved the microphone with a song in their heart. What better way to relieve stress than to belt out your favorite ballad?
Air dry clay crafts with RA Valeria
Creativity fuels competence, or at least that’s the sentiment suggested at the mid-week event led by Senior RA Valeria Martin Gomez. Similar to “Karaoke & Kookies,” the experience and camaraderie between students and staff trumped any art being created.
Participants made small trinkets, jewelry dishes and animals, all finding their unique uses in dorms and backpacks alike.
While I did not dabble in the creative practice, the motion of squeezing clay in my hands offered a serene sensory experience.
Bake & Take Cookies with RA Luke
As a final farewell to students, RA Luke Gunnels hosted an event in which residents were invited to stop by to socialize and enjoy fresh-baked cookies.
This event was a way for residents to check in with each other and say their farewells before winter break, while being consoled with cookies.
Spending time with the “Wolfpack” during finals week calmed my nerves and eased my anxiousness. The vibe of the building was total tranquility and community. These activities served as a great reminder that none of us are alone in our struggles.
With overwhelming support from hall staff, it’s clear how every person contributes to putting the “family” in Lund Family Hall. Even as a hall outsider, staff and students never hesitated to go the extra mile to make me feel part of their “Wolfpack.”
Emily Friesen is a news reporter for the Beacon. She can be reached at friesen28@up.edu.
