By SVEA JONES
In a recent interview with Beloit College’s Coughy Haus student manager, Lucas N. Fuller ’25, a Beloit native, shared insights into his efforts to procure the successful reopening of C-Haus for the Spring 2025 semester. He highlighted his frustrations and progress in getting answers about the student space.
Fuller and I share the same sentiment about the legacy of Coughy Haus and its significance to both the student body and the student workers who have had the opportunity to work within the space. Coughy Haus has always been a college bar, a place to grab a beer. It’s no longer just that, and the space has taken on a life of its own, from games like pool and foosball to listening to local bands or cosplaying as a singer and karaoke-ing on stage. C-Haus has provided a venue for students to reserve for events like trivia or club/organization nights. Above all else, it has been a friendly space where you can be sociable and meet new people, all while unwinding in a safe environment.
Questions have arisen in many students’ minds: Why isn’t C-Haus open? Why haven’t I received an email explaining the reason? Have they hired someone? What are the qualifications? When do they OPEN? “I’M BEGGING YOU!”
Fuller, too, is in the dark as much as the rest of us and intends to meet with Ron Watson for updates on the matter. He mentioned hearing about the Coughy Haus manager position being advertised on Indeed, and he knew at least 3-5 people who applied. However, one of the applicants reported to me that the listing had been removed. Fuller added, “I’ve heard of a couple of people from the Beloit campus, as well as those outside the campus, applying for the job. This is the first time I’ve heard that the Indeed notification has been taken down, but I have not personally heard whether we found someone to fill that position. I have a meeting with Ron on Monday about the future of C-Haus, but I’ll give you what I can now; no, I haven’t heard anything.”
When asked about the requirements to run a small campus bar, Fuller noted, “You know, a bachelor’s degree is necessary. You have to know how to schedule really well in advance, how to order beer, and talk to bands. You also manage a whole group of college kids and have to balance that with professionalism. As students, we all know that things get in the way; it’s hard to work every weekend until 2 a.m. and also juggle exams. Personally, I swim, so balancing that with meets requires a lot of patience. But I would say the biggest thing is being social, just in general, because I know James was a big hit with the students because he would get out onto the dance floor and sing on stage. I think those are qualities that I value in a good manager, and I would assume that the students probably would as well.”
Juggling the social and emotional roles required to run C-Haus is a long-term commitment, which is why Fuller has decided not to take up the responsibility of C-Haus manager. For him, a new chapter in life has begun, and he wants to focus on not only his future but his fiances. Fuller hopes that the reason the school hasn’t chosen anyone yet to fill the position is that they are considering all of these distinct qualities in a potential new manager.
With a slurry of technicalities, such as a name that can be placed on the liquor license for the approved use of the space, these matters will remain an afterthought until the position is filled. Fuller mentioned that SEAL and The Residential Life Office have allegedly taken control of the space for a collaborative event happening on February 10th without any prior approval or discussion with him. However, I could not find any advertisement for this event.
We hope that the space will be utilized only for the sake of the soon-to-be reopening and revitalization of C-Haus. Students can only hope that the new manager of their space not only appreciates the history and significance of the building but also makes The Coughy Haus a true Coughy Home.
Featured image: Vivian Kopka’27
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