Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) has opened a new game room, Lizards Lounge, designed to provide students with a space for relaxation and social interaction. The official opening was marked by TMCC President Karin Hilgersom cutting an orange ribbon.
Student Government Association Senator Edwin Yeboah emphasized the importance of such spaces for students: “When you come to campus and you have classes… sometimes you just need a place to relax and de-stress, have a breather,” he said. He sees the game room as an opportunity to meet new people and build friendships within the community.
Located in the V. James Eardley Student Center, Red Mountain Building room 101, next to the Lizard Book Nook store, Lizards Lounge offers video game consoles, board games, and a billiards table. The space is designed for both competitive and cooperative gaming or simply as a quiet area for students to unwind.
President Hilgersom spoke about the significance of non-academic spaces on campus: “I’ve found myself thinking about what brings energy and connection to a campus... One of the things is a game room... Lizards Lounge is more than a fun place to hang out; it’s a commitment for us to foster building community and engagement with students.”
Becca Franssen, Student Activities and Leadership Manager, acknowledged various departments' contributions to establishing Lizards Lounge. She noted that during its six-week soft launch period, over 580 equipment rentals occurred without much promotion: “If you build it, the students will come,” she stated.
In addition to this new facility, TMCC is hosting an event titled "Brewed in Japan: The Origins and Growth of the Japanese Beer Industry" on Friday, July 11. Dr. Jeffrey Alexander will lead the session discussing Japanese beer history and industry development. Attendees over 21 can participate in a beer tasting session featuring brands like Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo.
Dr. Alexander is TMCC's Vice President of Academic Affairs and incoming President. He has written extensively on Japanese consumer products and holds a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia.
For more information about Lizards Lounge or upcoming events, contact TMCC's Student Activities and Leadership Office.