Last Defence Lounge celebrates 25 years

With a new kitchen and front-of-house facelift, the Last Defence Lounge (LDL) hosted a party on Friday, Sept. 27 to celebrate its grand re-opening as well as 25 years in business in the University of Calgary’s MacEwan Student Centre.

The afternoon saw the LDL fill up with many of its regular and very dedicated patrons that included faculty and staff.

The LDL recently re-opened after being closed over the summer months in order to expand the kitchen, move the entrance, and improve the private booking rooms.

“It was great to see so many students show up to support our lounge,” says Sarah Akierman, Graduate Students’ Association president. “The afternoon was a lot of fun and I was able to meet quite a few of our graduate membership. I believe it’s important to recognize milestones, and operating this lounge for 25 years is quite an accomplishment for the GSA.”

Initially an exclusive lounge for the university’s graduate students and faculty, the LDL opened its doors to the entire university community in 2009 and quickly reaped the benefits of this inclusive shift.

Friday’s festivities included an array of free appetizers and drinks for all attendees, and the energizing music of Latin band, Los Morenos.

“The band was a great addition to the party,” says Tina Johnston, vice-president (student life) of the Graduate Students’ Association. “They really gave the event a wonderful ambiance.”

The Last Defence Lounge is open daily at 11 a.m., with featured food and drink specials. They also hold monthly themed parties for the whole university community.