The K-State Student Union: A Hub of History and Services
The K-State Student Union, located at 17th & Anderson in Manhattan, Kansas, stands as the central student activity center at Kansas State University. Since opening its doors on September 8, 1956, the Union has been a vital part of campus life, evolving to meet the changing needs of students. However, much deliberation had taken place prior to 1956. The Union is more than just a building; it's a dynamic space that fosters community, provides essential services, and supports student development.
Genesis of the Union: A Long-Awaited Dream
The idea of a student union at K-State first surfaced in 1933. At that time Memorial Stadium had started construction and there was discussion to build a student union concurrently. However, the initial construction plan was shelved due to a lack of funding. Several major events, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Flood of 1951, further delayed the project.
In 1951, President James McCain prioritized the construction of the Union. A committee comprising five students and five faculty members was formed to initiate the planning process. Two years later, the Council for Student Affairs established the Union Governing Board. Student fees were increased to $12.50 per semester in 1954 to support the project. After years of planning, the K-State Student Union finally opened on March 8, 1956. The original building encompassed 110,000 sq ft (10,000 m2). The spade that was used for the groundbreaking was also used by President Dwight D.
Expansion and Evolution: Meeting the Needs of a Growing Campus
The K-State Student Union has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing student population and evolving needs.
- 1963: The first addition, completed in 1963, added 40,000 sq ft (3,700 m2) at a cost of $900,000. Notably, this expansion was achieved without raising student fees. James C. Canole, a state architect, was the architect for the addition. Green Construction Company of Manhattan was the general contractor. The addition was necessary due to the significant increase in enrollment at K-State.
- 1970: A second addition in 1970 added 100,000 sq ft (9,300 m2), including a Union Bookstore and an expanded Recreation Center, bringing the total square footage to 240,000 sq ft (22,000 m2). Cayton, Jones, Engelhardt, Gillam Associate Architects did the design, while Green Construction Company of Manhattan was the general contractor, adding 100,000 square feet at a cost of $2.88 million. The total construction cost to date was $5.4 million.
- 1998: A $11.5 million renovation project, funded by students, was completed in 1998. The hard hats returned in June 1998 after students funded the $11.5 million renovation. Infrastructure, aesthetics, and new entities and services were added and an outdoor plaza. Ken Ebert Design Group was selected as the architect for the project. McPherson Construction Co., Topeka, was named the general contractor.
- 2015: Renovation construction began Sept. 8, 2015, and a Renovation Celebration was held Oct.
In October 1960, the K-State Student Union assumed responsibility for the campus's vending program. Knowing that students funded the Union construction and additions, and are the center of its activities, the name was officially changed to the "K-State Student Union" in 1995.
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A Hub of Services and Amenities
Today, the K-State Student Union encompasses 270,000 square feet (25,000 m2) and offers a wide range of services and amenities. The Union celebrated its 14th anniversary by growing to a total of 270,000 square feet, adding a bookstore, Forum Hall and the Catskellar coffee house and eight more bowling lanes (bringing the total to 16).
- Dining: A food court, Subway, Caribou Coffee, Union Kitchen (a Union-designed-and-operated restaurant), and Union Station by JP's (featuring locally-sourced menu items) provide diverse dining options. Chartwells renovated the Union Foodcourt.
- Retail: A bookstore (offering K-State apparel and merchandise), a computer store, and the Cats' Den convenience store cater to student needs. The Union Computer Store, a hair care center, the Cats' Den convenience store and Panda Express was added.
- Recreation: The Recreation Center features bowling, billiards, and a golf simulator.
- Banking: A full-service Commerce Bank and outside bank ATMs are available for financial transactions.
- Entertainment: Two theater venues and Union Station (a non-alcoholic entertainment and food facility) offer entertainment options. Stanley L. Union Station opened as an alcohol-free entertainment and food facility in the space formerly known as the Catskellar.
- Meeting and Event Spaces: The Union provides comprehensive reservation and catering services, as well as state-of-the-art technology, for conferences, meetings, banquets, weddings, and more. Housing one of the area's largest banquet facilities, premier food services and cutting-edge programs, the Union served students' everyday needs.
A Center for Student Life and Leadership
The K-State Student Union is home to many of K-Stateâs most active organizations, including the Student Governing Association, Multicultural Student Office, Student Programs and Involvement and Union Program Council. The Union serves as a hub for student life, leadership development, and governance. The Union is home to many of K-Stateâs most active organizations, including the Student Governing Association, Multicultural Student Office, Student Programs and Involvement and Union Program Council. In addition, the Union provides opportunities for leadership, student development and Union Governance through active participation in the Union Ambassadors, Union Governing Board and Union Corporation Board. The Union offers comprehensive reservation and catering services, as well as state-of-the-art technology, for conferences, meetings, banquets, weddings and more.
- Union Program Council (UPC): UPC organizes a wide range of programs and events for students. More than 300 students were involved with the Union Program Council (UPC) each year during the 1960s. The Multicultural Committee was added to the Union Program Council (UPC), exposing students to cultures from around the world. UPC partnered with the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department and the International Association of Jazz Educators to produce the first annual Little Apple Jazz Festival.
- Union Governing Board: This board plays a key role in the Union's governance and decision-making processes.
- Multicultural Student Organizations office: The Union provides a home for campus entities, such as Greek Affairs, the Wildcat 91.9 studio and the Multicultural Student Organizations office.
Commitment to Progress and Diversity
The K-State Student Union has demonstrated a commitment to progress and diversity throughout its history. The new millennium began with a salute to the progress made in the 1990s and continued into the next decade with growth and diversity in mind.
- Tobacco-Free Policy: In 1991, the Union became a tobacco-free building, reflecting a commitment to health and well-being.
- Union Enhancement Project: Major renovations as a result of the Union Enhancement Project and strengthened its presence south of the building with the newly constructed South Union Plaza.
- Friends of the Union: The Friends of the Union was established as the Union fundraising program. The Friends of the Union program, allowing individuals and other organizations to contribute to the Union's mission of serving students.
- Art Collection: Amazing works of art became a part of the Union's permanent collection each year. The Chinese Warrior exhibit was unveiled as a new addition to the Union permanent art collection. The Kansas City-based Kemper Foundation donated to the Friends to renovate the Art Lounge and it was renamed the William T. Kemper Foundation Art Gallery. Little Theatre is renamed the Dane G. Hansen Little Theatre after the Hansen Foundation donated to the Friends.
- K-State After Hours: The First Friday program, a substance-free alternative to a Friday night, was started. This program is now known as K-State After Hours.
A Member of the Association of College Unions International (ACUI)
The Union is a member of ACUIâs Region II including other member institutions from Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Mexico. The Association of College Unions International (ACUI) is one of the oldest associations in higher education, dating back to 1914. ACUIâs essential and enduring tenets are core values â a small set of timeless, guiding principles that do not require external justification. They hold great intrinsic value and importance to Association members, staff and key stakeholders. Core values are so fundamental; they seldom change â if at all.
The Flood of '93 and Hale Library Fire
The Union served as a Red Cross refuge area during the Flood of '93. From serving as a Flood of '93 Red Cross refuge area and housing the K-State ID Center to opening several foodservice venues around campus and a full-service bank, the K-State Student Union steadily grew and continually enhanced student life. Following the Hale Library fire on May 22, 2018, departments and services are relocated across campus.
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