Coming Monday to the Campus Center: Berg Arcade!

There’s a fun new addition to Campus Center, thanks to the love and generosity of a Heidelberg alumni couple, the late Ruth and Alistair Clubb.

A mini arcade will now be available for students to use for free on the first floor of Campus Center, directly across from the student mailboxes. In addition to the existing pool table, there will be foosball, air hockey and a pinball machine, along with several arcade cabinets. The arcade games will include Pacman with Galaga, NBA Jam, Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. All of these games are “home machines,” meaning that students won’t have to hunt down quarters to play – it’s free and available to all.

When Ruth ’44 and Alistair ’49, lovers of music, tennis and Heidelberg, left a gift to be used for student recreation, Student Senator Ethan Rieman was passionate about the project. In their original description of the addition they wanted on campus in their memory, the Clubbs had discussed ping-pong tables. However, ping-pong tables are already available in Saurwein Health & Wellness Center. After Student Senate re-felted a beloved pool table, adding similar games just made sense.

Ethan – an Adolescent and Young Adult Social Studies Education major – took the lead on this project, adding it to his already busy campus engagement activities. Along with his involvement in Senate, Ethan is a proud member of Nu Sigma Alpha (the Heids fraternity), a member of the Berg Events Council, a track and field student-athlete and a member of SAAC. He also works for the Admission Office. 

“The Senate wanted to put together a recreational space on campus for students to have fun and relax.” Ethan explained. “The arcade was a simple idea to pair with the new pool table and the re-opening of Rock Creek. With a variety of games ranging from Pacman to Street Fighter and a simple design, I think a large majority of campus will enjoy this area and I'm excited for it to open.”

“We are so grateful to everyone on the Krammes Staff for all their help in making this happen,” Jacqueline Sironen, Director of Student Engagement, shared, specifically shouting out Gary Clagg, George Welter and Jeff Brickner for their help with repainting the walls, transporting items, and installing new circuits. Since the various games arrived on campus, Dennis LoConti, Paul Sweeney and Jake McGraw have been working to build all of the pieces. “Putting it all together has been these three humans,” Jacqueline said.

Jacqueline was proud to announce that the official opening date of the “Berg Arcade” will be this upcoming Monday, January 15th. Be sure to stop by and play a game with a friend!