El Centro’s Successor: The Nest Opens as New Student Space

A photo of The Nest Feb. 24. (Gerardo Trujillo)

The Nest, a new multipurpose student space in Niebuhr Hall, opened recently, bringing together the Office of Global Engagement, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, and the Office of the Chaplain in the former space of El Centro de la Promesa Azul.

“We’ve been open — consider it a soft opening — since the start of the Spring Term, and are excited to host an Open House/Grand Opening when the weather gets warmer,” said Executive Director for Inclusion and Belonging Alexander Blumenberg in a written statement to the Leader. “In the meantime, it’s been great to see students coming in, and we’re looking forward to seeing even more as they begin to make the space their own.”

Nest student worker Gabriela Figueroa has seen the variety of services students are using in the space.

“We have snacks, we have drinks in the fridge, a microwave — another great benefit is that because the Wellness Center is [nearby], a lot of people come from over there and wait here,” said Figueroa. “I’ve seen more people coming in to hang out or talk to Alexander.”

For part of her job, Figueroa helps market events for The Nest to increase student awareness. She has made flyers for a Black History Month celebration, a Mardi Gras event, and Nirvana Day for mindfulness and stress relief.

“We had a movie night last Thursday [the 19th of February]… Also, every single Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. we have a study session with relaxation music.”

Junior Leslie Lopez first heard about The Nest at a Black History Month celebration event, where Blumenberg explained the space was a welcoming environment for students to hang out and receive tutoring or any other services they might need.

“I think bringing the whole Elmhurst community and other [departments] together is going to make a great impact on students,” said Lopez.

Junior Lillian Klymiuk said she was interested in the combination of university offices.

“I think sometimes it’s hard to figure out where exactly to go for resources, so I think putting it all in one place is going to be really helpful.”

The Nest will offer programming through workshops and cultural celebrations. Students will also have access to resources for study-abroad programs, diversity initiatives, international student advising, spiritual guidance, structured study sessions, and tutoring help.

Vice President for Student Affairs Keri Alioto said in a statement that the space aims to build on the resources offered by El Centro.

“Bringing together the Office of Global Engagement, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, and the Office of the Chaplain in The Nest gives us the opportunity to broaden and strengthen the intent and goals of programs like El Centro by leveraging the resources of existing programs, rather than relying on federal grant funding that, as we saw, could be unexpectedly lost due to forces beyond our control,” said Alioto.

Klymiuk said she plans to visit the space.

“I think I will visit. I think it’s a good place to find community,” Klymiuk said. “I know they said something about it being like a study space, which I think is a step in the right direction.”

The Nest is currently welcoming students and will continue to build on its programming throughout the semester.