CCPA Lounge Renovation Project in Umphrey Lee: A Collaborative Space 

At the beginning of the school year, Southern Methodist University unfolded the CCPA lounge renovation project in the Umphrey Lee building. Many students have noticed the exciting blue wall displaying “Southwest Airlines” and the large glass windows when passing through Umphrey Lee. While the lounge still awaits final design touches, it is open for students and faculty to enjoy. 

Designed as a collaborative space for students in corporate communications programs, the lounge offers a sleek, modern environment for studying, group project work, or relaxation between classes. Although the lounge will not provide computers, the space offers tables, desks, and chairs that support student collaboration. The lounge will feature a built-in boardroom, designed with Boulevard Consulting in mind, where students can hold private meetings and presentations. In addition to the lounge space, the renovation project also redesigned the neighboring classroom to include sleek glass sliding doors that join the two spaces, adding flexibility for class activities and projects.

The construction of the new CCPA Lounge was made possible through generous donations from Toyota and Southwest Airlines. Each pledged $100,000 over the course of four years to support this renovation project. The eye-catching statement wall of the lounge proudly displays a Southwest Airlines logo, while the neighboring classroom presents the Toyota logo. Although initially planned for an earlier construction date, the lounge faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing the completion date to late October. Although the final touches are still in progress, the division encourages students to begin using the space.