The reflection room in the Calvin T. Ryan Library has received a facelift. New furniture and multicultural supplies were provided by donations and the former Office of Intercultural Leadership and Engagement.
The room offers students and faculty privacy to contemplate and reset during stressful moments, as well as a place to practice faith and spirituality without interference.
“Higher education can be challenging,” said Evan Boyd, the dean of the library. “Students need somewhere that’s quiet and calm, where they can reflect, pray or have a moment of silence with their own thoughts.”
When the library began planning for renovation, the former reflection space – a prayer room located in the Nebraska Student Union – was identified as too small and inaccessible for students. Boyd said it was suggested that the room be moved to the library because it is a high-traffic area on campus.
While the reflection room has been available to students since the completion of the library’s construction last fall, the space was sparsely furnished and lacked resources.
Muskan Muskan, a sophomore majoring in sports journalism and an international student, used to go to temple every day in her home country of India. In January, she visited the Hindu temple in Omaha, finding a sense of calm that she had been missing in Kearney.
When she returned to UNK for the semester, Muskan sought a way to practice her spirituality, a habit that is important to her peace and well-being.
With the help of Kelsey Baxter, former access services associate at the library, Muskan gathered a list of what was required for a Hindu temple and worked with Maha Younes, associate vice chancellor for institutional engagement, to equip the reflection room to serve the Indian and Nepali populations at UNK.
“I’ve heard a few things about how it’s really helped to relieve stress, and it’s a really calming place,” Baxter said. “They really appreciate that it’s such an accessible area as the library.”
Baxter and Younes, as well as the library staff, have been working with student input to create an inclusive space to meet the diverse needs of students.
Temple is an instrumental part of Muskan’s life, and she said the additions to the reflection room have allowed her to feel spiritually connected on campus.
“It’s a different kind of positivity,” Muskan said. “Being spiritual and devoted, I feel something is missing in my day without God.”
The room is open during the library’s regular operational hours and is available for reservation by individuals or groups.
