Bobcat HangOUt officially opens, welcoming students to new engagement space

Ohio University celebrated the grand opening of the Bobcat HangOUt, a new student engagement space located in Baker University Center 355 on Jan. 13.

The event was open to the entire University community, inviting students to explore the new space and enjoy various games and activities.

Vice President for Student Affairs Lyn Redington addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of such spaces in fostering community and lasting friendships. She fondly recalled her own college experiences, noting, "I still remember much of my time from college because of spaces like this and the friends I made in them, including a friend that I married."

The naming of the Bobcat HangOUt resulted from a competition hosted on the Student Life Instagram account. Adam McKnight, a College Credit Plus student from Stewart, Ohio, submitted the winning name.

Set to begin full-time studies in the fall, likely majoring in music production, McKnight expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "This campus is exactly what it’s supposed be for students" and looks forward to making more connections at OHIO. He is excited to share the space with friends and takes pride in having “a part of himself forever immortalized at Ohio University.”

The Bobcat HangOUt features amenities such as pool tables, darts and foosball, along with modular seating areas and rooms designated for games like chess and card games (it’s a bring-your-own board game space). A group of students were involved in the entire imagining and planning process of the space, and it was even recognized by Inside Higher Ed. 

The space is open to the University community, and anyone can swipe in with their OHIO ID any time Baker University Center is open.