New lounge brings coffee, comfort and connection to Adams Humanities

The School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) has officially opened the ION | Behar Family Student Lounge and Studios, a new space designed to give JMS majors a place to study, relax and connect with their peers. Located on the fourth floor of Adams Humanities, the lounge reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to building community and creating more student-centered spaces on campus.

The idea for a JMS lounge had been discussed for years before finally coming to life this summer. Temple Northup, director of JMS, worked closely with a team of student interns who helped shape the vision for the space. Together, they selected the furniture, refined the layout and crafted an atmosphere that feels both professional and inviting.

The new lounge features comfortable seating, a refrigerator, a microwave and — a student favorite — free coffee and snacks. Its open, welcoming design encourages students to gather between classes, collaborate on projects or simply take a break from the campus bustle. The goal, Northup said, was to create a true “home base” for JMS students — a space where they can recharge and connect.

The lounge is named in honor of Dave Behar, a JMS alumnus whose generous contribution made the project possible. His support underscores the strong bond between JMS alumni and the school, and how graduates continue to invest in future generations.

“As an accomplished SDSU JMS alumnus that has enjoyed career and personal success, it makes complete sense to give front, not just back, in order to help tomorrow’s leaders," said Behar. “The space and tools we are providing is an on-campus epicenter and ‘playing’ field that can help enable committed JMS Students to hang, train and win in multiple media disciplines."

Northup said Behar’s involvement exemplifies the school’s enduring relationships with its alumni.

Now open to all JMS students, the ION | Behar Family Student Lounge and Studios is already becoming a favorite spot for studying, recharging or catching up with classmates. With its convenient location and welcoming design, it’s redefining what it means to belong to the JMS community.

The school plans to continue evolving the space based on student feedback. Ideas for future additions include light food options and perhaps even a Nintendo console for the lounge’s large television. Northup said the goal is to make the space “as dynamic as the students who use it.”

More than just a new hangout, the JMS lounge represents the school’s broader commitment to fostering community, creativity and belonging — giving students a space that reflects the spirit of the School of Journalism and Media Studies itself.