Student life and housing
Howard Opens C. Alan Grooming and Beauty Spaces at Drew Hall and the Quad
Two new student-centered spaces bring professional grooming, hair and self-care services into the residence communities students call home.
August 24, 2026 | Drew Hall and Harriet Tubman Quadrangle
Howard University celebrated the opening of the C. Alan Grooming Lounge at Drew Hall and the C. Alan Boutique Hair Salon at Harriet Tubman Quadrangle, expanding the everyday services available within campus housing.
The spaces were created around a practical idea: students should be able to prepare for the moments that matter without leaving the communities where they live. At the opening, speakers connected the new services to interviews, internships, Homecoming, graduation and the daily confidence that comes from feeling cared for and ready.
Designed for the rhythms of student life
Care, confidence and convenience, closer to home
For Director Candy Wongsam Dennis, the project grew from a broader effort to make Howard's residence halls feel more like complete communities. The goal was not only to add a service, but to create welcoming places where professional care, affordability and convenience could become part of the residential experience.
The finished Drew Hall lounge pairs barber and grooming stations with space for manicure and pedicure services. Its navy, gold and red palette gives the room a distinct Howard identity while the furnishings and equipment support a full range of student appointments.
The Drew Hall lounge includes dedicated areas for grooming, manicure and pedicure services.
One opening, two residence communities
A grooming lounge at Drew and a hair salon at the Quad
The August 24 program began at Drew Hall and continued at Harriet Tubman Quadrangle, where the second ribbon marked the opening of the C. Alan Boutique Hair Salon.
C. Alan Grooming Lounge at Drew Hall
The Drew Hall space combines professional grooming stations with separate manicure and pedicure areas, giving students several self-care services within one residential setting.
C. Alan Boutique Hair Salon at the Quad
The Quad salon extends the partnership into a second residence community with styling stations, hair-care products and services centered on students' hair-care needs.
Beauty, culture, community and legacy
A Howard partnership brought to life
The ceremony brought together Howard leaders, students, the C. Alan team and project supporters. Director Dennis described the spaces as part of a larger ecosystem of student support. Dr. C. Alan Bennett, a Howard alumnus and founder of the C. Alan brand, reflected on the collaboration and on building a legacy of service at his alma mater.
Nicole Ray Robinson joined the program on behalf of Carol's Daughter, a sponsor of the beauty space, and Chantal Jones welcomed guests and guided the two-location celebration.
Event video
Watch the openings come together
Experience the August 24 celebrations at Drew Hall and Harriet Tubman Quadrangle, from student reactions and staff introductions to the ribbon cuttings.
Beauty. Culture. Community. Legacy.
Spaces made useful by the people they serve
The ribbons marked the beginning. The lasting measure will be the everyday appointments, conversations and moments of confidence these rooms make possible for the Howard community.
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