"The Moxie," the new name of Waring Commons' student lounge that re-opened yesterday, literally means energy, pep, courage, know-how and expertise.

According to the committee responsible for executing the renovation project, the name also describes the modern college student. The committee modeled the lounge and its surrounding eateries after this concept.

Before it's recent facelift, the original lounge only included the basic tables and chairs needed to accommodate patrons of the Waring Juice Company and Liones West convenience store. Both eateries will also be renamed to tie in with the lounge's "moxie" theme.

"It (the previous lounge) served the purpose, but we wanted to give students another option," said Janet Decker, manager of food services.

The new room offers more options. Freshly painted in bold greens, purples and pinks, the lounge includes oversized couches and chairs that match the walls.

"All the furniture is big and comfortable for the kids to hang out in," Decker said.

One corner of the room is dedicated to a large 27-inch television. Another corner has three televisions that will be equipped with Sony PlayStations in the near future. Students interested in playing a game in the lounge need only to show their student ID+ cards at the coffee bar to sign out a game. Eleven games are available so far.

In the coming weeks, four touch-screen computer terminals will be installed that will allow students to surf the Web, chat online, and check their e-mail.

Tami Trimmer (senior-Russian translation) relaxed in the lounge yesterday morning and liked what she saw.

"This is really nice. They have couches, TVs, and from what I hear, Sony PlayStations. It doesn't make you think you're at school," Trimmer said.

Decker said the project has been a committee effort. The committee did research in every area pertaining to the development of the room, right down to purchasing the specific video games that students would enjoy most.

Although the committee tried to keep the project a secret, students were periodically allowed to peek into the lounge to see the improvements under way.

"It was meant to be a surprise to students in this area," Decker said. "They've seemed really excited."

Vladimir Gurov joined his wife Trimmer yesterday morning for breakfast in the new lounge. Gurov, a visitor to Penn State from Chicago, seemed to be most impressed with the colors and the atmosphere of the room.

"I like the color scheme," Gurov said. "It's a nice place, very comfortable. It's a place to get away, to sit down and take a break."

The committee has more improvement plans in the works for the lounge this summer. It plans to make the room accessible to the patio that overlooks the courtyard directly outside of the lounge's windows. The patio will have outdoor seating for lounge users.

The lounge's hours are 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday. Students are encouraged to use the lounge and give feedback to administrators. Every comment and recommendation will be considered because the committee focuses on accommodating student needs.

"It's their area," Decker said.