Sofia Bard, ‘28

Front view of Bates on a rainy day. Photo by Tallulah Hawley '25

On Sept. 1, the HUB, formerly known as the PUB, had its grand opening here at Sarah Lawrence College. Formally known as the Ruth Leff Siegel Center, the HUB stands for “Humanity Understanding Belonging,” and newly renovated student spaces hope to exemplify exactly that.

The HUB is a home to Sarah Lawrence’s Spiritual Space, the DEIB Office (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging), kosher and halal kitchens, and WSLC, as well as the LGBTQIA space and Common Ground. Many of these spaces were previously in Bates, but have now taken up residence in the center of campus.

Though some parts of the HUB are still under construction, students have already begun to use features like the Spiritual Space, a sacred space that can be utilized for multiple practices from prayer to meditation.

Inside the new HUB, featuring a bulletin board of student organizations. Photo by Tallulah Hawley '25

In addition to the new space, Spiritual Life also has a new director, Frances Lee.

When discussing the importance of the Spiritual Life space and its presence in the HUB, Lee said, “It’s important that Spiritual Life exists to help create spaces of listening for students and also to build resilience and teach students how to care for one another better.”

Furthermore, the HUB houses the DEIB Office, which is responsible for DEIB training, THRIVE, Belonging + Flourishing training, Pre-Orientation for BIPOC, First Generation, and International Students and so much more. The DEIB Office will be hosting Friday Breakfast in The HUB, a monthly event open to anyone on campus. They are also involved with Real Talk, which will host biweekly fireside chats in the HUB.

Noah '26 and Francesca '24 get homework done in the HUB's communal student space. Photo by Tallulah Hawley '25

“With new leadership and a new student center, we are building a strong foundation that integrates Student DEIB across campus, collaborating with our SLC community and campus partners, providing professional development and learning opportunities, and fostering meaningful connections and experiences,” said Briana Martin, the Director of Student DEIB. More information about the DEIB Office can be found on Instagram @slcdiversity.

Fiona Hayreh ‘28 has been utilizing the HUB, and sees it as an important resource for students. Hayreh said, “I think it’s really exciting that it is open in my first [year]. I really feel like I will utilize that space in my four years here.”