People like to think Hamilton College is a small campus, but there are many spaces that are not widely recognized. There are the obivous hang out spots like Kirner-Johnson or the Burke Library, but there are many others that fly under the radar. Here are five lesser known spaces on campus that are just as important to the lives of students and deserve recognition.
Third Floor of the Chapel
The Chapel itself might be the most visible building on campus, but the third floor (pictured above) is an overlooked space. As the official home for the Chaplaincy, it is frequently used as a space for religious, spiritual, and wellness events. Students are also welcome to study, use the library, and meditate in the meditation room. You can even cuddle with Lily, Chaplain Jeff McArn’s dog. For Danielle Rodrigues ’19, this space has allowed her to form new friendships and relax in a peaceful environment where she can also focus on her faith. She says, “It is common to associate the third floor with religion, and yes, you will find religious events here, but it’s more than that. If you were ever curious, stop by during the day or join any of our events. The worst that can happen is you meet a couple of new people and you leave with a full stomach.”
The Afro-Latinx Cultural Center (ALCC)
Surprisingly enough, there are people who do not know what or where the ALCC is. Located right on College Hill Road in between the Philosophy building and the Days-Massolo Center, the ALCC is home to the Black-Latinx Student Union (BLSU,) La Vanguardia (LV,) and Feminists of Color Collective (FCC,) and the Africana Studies Department. These clubs hold weekly meetings and community events like LV’s Empanada Game Nights. For Andres Aguilar ’19, the ALCC “gives me a sense of home […] here it feels like a real family because we live here, have friends here, and share laughs here.” The basement of the ALCC is mostly used by BLSU and provides a safe space for community and conversation. Luis Morales ’19 remarks, “This is a space that holds power and one in which Black and Latinx students have left a legacy.”
The Days-Massolo Center (DMC)
The vibrant blue house next to the Wellin Art Museum is another important space in the everyday lives of many students. A multipurpose space, the DMC has historically served as a central hub for students of color as well as a number of clubs and activist groups. The second floor houses the Womxn’s Center and the Queer Student Union. On the first floor, the walls are decorated with student-made art while a fully-stocked kitchen, TV-equipped living room, and a study room, makes this space inclusive and welcoming. As someone who has made the DMC his home, Sacharja Cunningham ’19 describes the DMC as a “space of rest and commitment.” While the DMC is used for studying and relaxing, it has also served as a prominent activist space where students can have necessary conversations and plan meaningful action around several issues.
Schambach Second Floor
The second floor of the Schambach Center is a unique and hidden study and hang out area. here are also professors offices and private rehearsal rooms. If you like listening to classical jazz playlists on Spotify or Apple, you can pretty much always secure a spot here and listen to students singing or playing their instruments. The space itself is also large with plenty of sofas, seats, and tables. It is generally a quieter and under-the-radar space. Maybe, until now?
The First Floor of Beinecke
Across from Diner and down the stairs, the first floor of Beinecke is another hidden gem. With just a couple of sofas, this is a quiet, relaxed space located in between the oft-frequented Barn and Diner. It’s a great space to hang out, study, have an intimate conversation, or a group meetup. When it is sunny, the room receives a good amount of natural light and has a beautiful view of the barn and Martin’s Way bridge from below.
