November marks the University Student Union's 50th anniversary. Historically, college unions were the centers of public debate, but evolved into central areas for campus services, student self-governance, and leisure and entertainment.
Today's University Student Union, also referred to as the USU, is central to campus life. Opening its doors Nov. 11, 1968, it was referred to as the "College Union" and offered a multitude of services, including a coffee shop, a barber shop, a bowling center and a place to buy postage stamps and tickets to campus functions.
The $2 million facility was intended to serve a campus of 10,000 students. The 52,000-square-foot building features conference rooms wired for television broadcasting and a memory bank computer housed in the central offices on the third floor.
Various activities marked the original College Union dedication week, including a dinner and luncheon, a pillow concert, a Christmas party, and a Queen's Ball.
The USU has transformed to meet the needs of students over the years, most recently to include nap pods, Amazon lockers and study space dedicated to students who commute to campus. The Student Union has 1.7 million visitors annually. Bulldog Bowl remains a popular, affordable bowling center, and is home to the award-winning Bowling Bulldogs student club sport team.
To provide for today's students as well as future generations, plans are moving forward to build a new University Student Union. This past March, Fresno State students voted to approve a $60 million, 80,000-square-foot project to accommodate the University’s 25,000 students.
Research shows modern student unions contribute to higher retention and graduation rates, so it makes sense to invest in Fresno State's USU. The new student union will be a modern, multi-level facility open all year, 24 hours a day with outdoor space that can be used for events and activities.
"The University Student Union at Fresno State has served many generations of Bulldogs well with fond memories of time spent with peers and engaging in a variety of events and activities," said Dr. Frank Lamas, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. "The future is bright for students to continue to use this facility as well as our new Union to make great memories at Fresno State."
Just imagine the possibilities! Be sure to join the upcoming celebrations.
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