Introducing the RE:CENTER, the place for relaxation at The University of Akron

By Benjamin Pritchard, Contributor

October 26, 2023

President Dr. Gary Miller at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the RE:CENTER.

A hidden gem on the University of Akron campus is located on the third floor of the Jean Hower Taber Student Union is the RE:CENTER, a serene space to relax and unwind in an environment completely dedicated to student wellness.

As you first step into the RE:CENTER, you are greeted by a quote that beautifully captures the essence of the experience: “Do something that your future self will thank you for.”

And if all your future self is asking you to do is to take a break and relax, how can you say no?

The space incorporates calming colors, live plants, comfy chairs and even a soothing lava lamp. The sounds of bubbling water and the gentle pulsation of the flowerpots further add to the ambience and calmness.

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Tucked away in the corner is a dedicated Nap Pod, ready to provide you with the perfect place to catch some Z’s.

“To me, the RE:Center seems really intriguing” says Jonathan Magerko, University of Akron freshman business and data analytics major. “It is a great place to unwind, and it’s proved to be such a nice quiet place on campus.”

Magerko expressed his love for the space and finds himself studying there.

The concept of the RE:CENTER emerged from the creative minds of graphic design students from the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art, in collaboration with students from the Spring 2023 community-engaged course “[Un]Class: Zips Recharge Together.”

Their work has transformed this space into an oasis of well-being on the UA campus.

Funding for the project came through The University of Akron Women in Philanthropy, and their vision came to fruition in 2023.

The RE:CENTER serves as a guidepost to the importance of holistic wellness in our academic journey.

Here, you can find anything from a “stress-less activity book” to tips for brainstorming, guided breathing exercises and many useful resources offered through ZipAssist.

So, next time you’re at the Student Union, take a moment to visit the RE:CENTER.

Your future self will thank you for it!

For additional information, please reach out to ZipAssist at [email protected].    

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About the Contributors

Benjamin Pritchard, Contributor

Benjamin Pritchard works full time as a firmware engineer, while studying part time in the evenings at The University of Akron as an adult student. His interest in journalism began when he worked at the Akron Beacon Journal in high school. Fun fact: I wake up every morning at 4:00am, and I can’t imagine a life where I am not at the gym every day by 5:30am.

Emily Price, 2

Emily Price served as Copy Editor in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. She served as editor-in-chief from June 2023 - October 2023.

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