The honors lounge in Strauss Hall is one of the hallmarks of the Honors Program. But in recent years, students in the program neglected to use the space because of its worn-down interior. But that attitude changed this semester. With renovations finished just in time for the new year, students in the Honors Program have a brand-new study space to enjoy. “The old lounge was full of tables and chairs that had been discarded by other departments, so nothing was nice or matched,” professor and director of the Honors Program Joshua Stockley said. But now the room has wood furnishings, a popcorn machine, a ping pong table and an Xbox. The space also got a new coat of paint and matching furniture fit for ULM’s top students. The lounge was built for fun and relaxation, but it also comes equipped with a small library, study space and Keurig for those who need to pull an all-nighter. Everything is new. From the floors to the furniture, the honors lounge has become a warm and welcoming space for students. “The old lounge seemed really cold and gray. It wasn’t very inviting,” freshman pre-pharmacy major Agnes Ugokwe said. “The new lounge is a massive upgrade. I actually want to go there in between classes or whenever I’m bored to study, play board games or just hang out with friends.” Whether students need a snack to keep them going or a quiet place to study, the lounge is equipped with everything a Warhawk scholar needs. Friends can battle it out in a game of checkers or choose to make some popcorn while working on the next essay. “I would definitely say this lounge is an upgrade over the old one,” freshman communications major Paxton Stewart said. The honors lounge is a space that can be used to recruit hard-working students. Honors Council President Caitlyn Cullen said the updates were funded by a private donor who saw the need for a new space. “We are thankful for the donor because the renovations allow new honors students to have a comfortable place to work on their schoolwork while also allowing them the opportunity to meet other honors students,” Cullen said.