On August 26, the Francis Center for Servant Leadership and Faith Formation celebrated the grand opening of its new lounge, located in Henry Pfeiffer Chapel, Room 103. The new space is intended to be a welcoming environment that will serve as a gathering place where students can engage in campus ministry, build community, and live out their faith through service.

The space, located behind the sanctuary of Henry Pfeiffer Chapel, received extensive renovations over the summer, including new paint, décor, furniture, games, and more. The lounge also has new amenities, including a refrigerator, a stocked snack bar, and a coffee bar. Commuter students are highly encouraged to use the space as a place to rest, grab a snack, and study between classes.

“The work of the Francis Center for Servant Leadership is an important part of our University’s identity, and we are so pleased to have this centralized location to support our Francis Scholars. The new space will also be a welcoming spot for our commuting students and a support for religious life on campus. We are thankful to the donors who made this transformation happen and thrilled to open the new space just as students return to campus. We look forward to seeing them enjoy it,” said Pfeiffer University President Scott Bullard.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, students, faculty, staff, and community members participated in the school year’s first service project, assembling Backpack Buddy food bags for school children in need. This initiative highlights the lounge’s purpose: to be a hub for servant leadership. “Having a designated place like the Francis Center Lounge allows our community to come together in meaningful ways,” said Rev. Kris Mares, University Chaplain and Director of Church Relations. “It’s about more than just a room – it’s a place of Christian hospitality that encourages us to live out our mission every day.”