The new Intercultural Center on the second floor of LaFortune can be credited to the combined efforts of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) and the Office of International Student Affairs.

The 24-hour space, available thanks to funds from Student Affairs, “provides a place where everybody can feel at home — to hang out and chill and meet other folks,” said OMSA director Iris Outlaw.

“The doors are almost always going to be open for study space or meeting space,” said Kevin Huie, assistant director of OMSA.

The renovation, which took place during summer months, was intended to provide space to all University students.

“The center is for everyone,” Huie said. “There is a misconception that OMSA and International Student Affairs is only for underrepresented students, and it needs to be eliminated.”

The center will host cultural awareness services, educational programs and lecture series, Outlaw said. Student interns will work at the front desk, and art exhibits are to be donated by local galleries.

“With the center, not only will the students and the offices have more space to work and live in, but more students and staff will be able to use it,” said Huie. “Hopefully, the students who do utilize the center will help initiate more programs. And hopefully the two offices can get more staff.”

The Center will host an official grand opening Sept. 24.

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