HERKIMER — The student-named Zen Den wellness space at Herkimer College now has a new student-designed logo.

The logo was created by Anna Mead, of Ilion, and selected after a campus-wide contest. The winning selection was one of four final designs, all created by Mead, and features a green and gold lotus flower - a symbol that represents enlightenment.

“I’ve created a few logos before, but they were made quite a while ago,” Mead said. “I usually do more realistic drawings for people, such as photos of loved ones or pets.”

Mead, a third-semester Childhood Education major, says she plans to become an art teacher.

“I definitely knew that I wanted to incorporate the school’s colors. I was just excited to have the chance to be creative,” Mead explained.

The Zen Den officially opened after a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 28, providing a comfortable, quiet space for students to relax, study, read, play board games, meditate and unwind. The space features massage chairs, soft seating, small round tables and chairs, a large-screen TV for yoga instruction and a community book exchange.

The name was selected after a campus-wide contest entered by student John Looby of Watertown. Funding for the new wellness space was made possible by the Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan, a phase of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.