A thoughtful new addition to the College of Nursing is already making an impact on community wellness.  

The Quiet Space—located on the first floor of the Cohn Building—is now open and available to all faculty, staff and students seeking a peaceful place for prayer, meditation or quiet reflection. 

This initiative was championed by Dean Ramona Benkert and spearheaded by Executive Assistant Amy Calcaterra, who joined the College in August 2023 and quickly got involved with the Building Revitalization Task Force.  

As part of the task force’s early work, Calcaterra and her colleagues walked to every corner of the college to identify areas for improvement.  

One idea stood out from the beginning: the need for a designated quiet area. 

“We saw an opportunity to create a space for peace and reflection that truly supports our diverse culture,” Dean Benkert shared. “The vision has always been to offer a welcoming, inclusive environment—one that anyone can use, regardless of their faith or absence of one.” 

The Quiet Space is directly tied to the College of Nursing’s Strategic Plan, aligning with the objective of promoting Community Wellness. It’s a place where individuals can take a break from the busy pace of the day, reconnect with themselves or simply pause in silence. 

To ensure the space met the needs of everyone in the College, numerous colleagues were consulted and extensive research into various spiritual and meditation practices was conducted.  

The result is a tranquil, well-appointed room with soft lighting, prayer rugs, meditation cushions, benches and a room divider for privacy. 

Additional amenities include prayer beads, head scarves and a selection of reading materials.   

The space is designed to hold up to eight people at a time. 

“I tried to create a space with comfort and peace in mind while also honoring traditional elements important in many spiritual practices,” Calcaterra said. “Our only request is that everyone entering the space be respectful and quiet, as someone may already be using it.” 

Next up: a new Lactation Space for nursing moms is on the horizon, further advancing the College of Nursing’s commitment to health, wellness and belonging.