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The HUB Kitchens as Spaces of Belonging
When the two new kitchens opened in the HUB this February, they became more than just places to cook — they turned into a living experiment in community, culture, and care.
Frances Lee, Director of Spiritual Life, along with Briana Martin, Director of Student DEIB, helped lead the effort to stock the General and Halal/Kosher kitchens from the ground up. “It’s one thing to fill a pantry,” Frances said. “It’s another to imagine what students might need to prepare all kinds of meals, honor dietary laws, and truly feel at home.” Every detail, from equipment and food storage to access agreements and care protocols, was thoughtfully considered.
A special focus went into creating the dedicated Halal/Kosher kitchen, the first of its kind on campus. “We wanted to honor both faiths with intention and stewardship,” Frances explained. The kitchen is open to everyone, regardless of religious background, as long as the guidelines are respected. “It’s about sharing a space with compassion,” they added.
Since opening, the kitchens have hosted a vibrant array of student-led events: interfaith dinners, weekly iftars during Ramadan, a theater group’s musical Seder, and dumpling-making workshops. Each month, the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion co-hosts the popular Friday Breakfast with a different SLC department to bring together diverse groups across campus. “There’s an art to breakfast,” said Director Briana Martin. “It’s intimate, creative, and nourishing. We always include fresh fruit and dietary options for everyone. It’s a joyful way to start the day together.”
The adjoining dining room has also become a central space for international student programming, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC events. “It’s a flexible, beautiful space,” said Rosaceli Malek, Assistant Director of International Student Support and Belonging. “Everything is moveable — the tables, the seating. It works for crafts, listening circles, and of course, shared meals.” The student group Common Ground brought the space to life by using the A/V setup for a fun karaoke session.
By nourishing students in body, spirit, and community, the HUB kitchens do more than feed — they foster the practice of connection, empathy, and shared responsibility that define the College’s mission. In these kitchens, students learn to care for themselves and one another, to honor diverse traditions, and to build connections across differences. It’s a space where academic excellence is sustained through belonging — and where humanistic values come to life around the table.