Harper College Unveils Rebranded Gaming Lounge for Student Engagement

Harper College has recently unveiled its newly rebranded Gaming Lounge, located within the Foglia Foundation Health and Recreation Center, designed to provide students with an immersive and inclusive gaming experience. The state-of-the-art facility is open to all Harper College students who activate their free student membership at the Health and Recreation Center, making it a central space for relaxation, competition, and community engagement. The rebranding reflects Harper’s commitment to evolving student needs, particularly with the growing role of esports and gaming as key components of campus life. 

Harper student sit at gaming consoles A Space for All Gamers: Competitive and Casual Play 

The updated Gaming Lounge reflects a deep understanding of Harper College’s student audience and their diverse interests. Catering to both competitive gamers and those seeking casual social interactions, the lounge offers PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch consoles, alongside classic board games like Catan and Monopoly. This wide range of activities ensures that students from different backgrounds can find a place to connect, fostering a sense of community and providing much-needed social interaction. 

Promoting Events with Digital Engagement Tools 

To maximize student engagement, Harper College has leveraged digital communication platforms such as Discord and Instagram to promote events and encourage participation. By using platforms that resonate with students, the college has effectively boosted awareness of events like Moonlit Gaming Madness, creating a strong online presence to keep the Gaming Lounge relevant and accessible to its audience. 

Modern Visual Branding Enhances the Experience 

A key part of the rebranding effort has been the focus on visual branding, which has transformed the lounge into a modern, inviting environment. The space features sleek design elements, including four 70” TVs, custom gaming setups, and recreational activities like foosball and air hockey. Attention to detail, such as themed wallpapers on gaming PCs, enhances the overall aesthetic and ensures that students feel a sense of connection and belonging when using the lounge. 

Students hang out on couches Creating Community Through Themed Events 

The Gaming Lounge has become a focal point for student engagement through themed events that foster spontaneous social interactions. By offering a mix of competitive and casual gaming opportunities, Harper College ensures that all students—whether avid gamers or those looking for a casual social outlet—can enjoy the space. Events like Moonlit Gaming Madness have created a lively, welcoming atmosphere, drawing in students who may not typically engage in other campus activities. 

Collaboration with Campus Departments Amplifies Success 

The success of the rebranded Gaming Lounge is due in part to collaborations with various campus departments, such as marketing and student engagement centers. By working with these stakeholders, Harper College has amplified the lounge’s visibility, ensuring broad student participation. This collaborative approach has helped establish the Gaming Lounge as an integral part of student life, providing a space that enriches the overall college experience. 

The Result: A Space for Engagement and Belonging 

Harper College’s rebranded Gaming Lounge demonstrates how thoughtful design, strategic communication, and inclusive programming can transform a campus space into a vibrant community hub. Through these efforts, the Gaming Lounge has become a place where students can relax, connect, and enjoy a variety of recreational activities, enhancing their overall college experience. 

Professional Headshot of a woman smilingAbout the Author: Kendall Vagle is the Recreation Programs and Promotions Manager for CENTERS @ Harper College. She oversees the Gaming Lounge, intramural sports, and student outreach, while managing social media and promotions for the Department of Campus Recreation.  Ms. Vagle holds a Master’s in Organizational/Corporate Communications from Northern Illinois University and is certified in First Aid and CPR/AED by the American Heart Association.