Ackerman Union: A Hub of Bruin Life at UCLA

Ackerman Union stands as the central hub for student services at UCLA. Owned and operated by the Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA), this multi-story building has evolved from its initial conception as a modern-day student activity center to a comprehensive destination for Bruins seeking everything from textbooks and apparel to dining, recreation, and essential services.

A Brief History: From Vision to Landmark

The ASUCLA Student Union building officially opened its doors on April 3, 1961, marking a turning point in the UCLA experience. Envisioned as a vibrant center for student life, the original Ackerman Union boasted a diverse range of amenities, including billiards, a TV lounge, meeting areas, a 10-lane bowling alley, various dining options, a coffeehouse, and the expansive Ackerman Grand Ballroom for large-scale events.

The need for a new student union arose as Kerckhoff Hall, dedicated in 1931, became inadequate for the growing student population. By 1961, UCLA had nearly 19,000 students, a significant increase from the 6,100 undergraduates when Kerckhoff Hall was first established.

William C. Ackerman ’24, who headed the student-run AS UCLA and later became the union's namesake, played a crucial role in bringing the project to fruition. Initially, the University of California considered a student union an "auxiliary" building, ineligible for state funding. However, a student referendum overwhelmingly approved a plan to raise student fees by $12 a year to repay a loan and revenue bonds, demonstrating the students' commitment to creating a central gathering place.

Evolution and Adaptation

Over the decades, Ackerman Union has undergone numerous transformations to meet the evolving needs of the student body. While some Bruins fondly remember the original amenities, such as the bowling alley, which was eventually closed down, the building has adapted to changing times and preferences.

The dining options have also seen significant changes. The Terrace Room, a cafeteria-style food service reminiscent of Kerckhoff, was replaced by the Treehouse, a dining area featuring live ficus trees. Although the Treehouse eventually faded, franchise operations like Panda Express were introduced, reflecting the changing culinary landscape and student tastes.

A Multi-Level Destination: Services and Amenities

Today, Ackerman Union offers a wide array of services and amenities across its various levels:

B-Level: The UCLA Store

The entire B-Level is dedicated to the UCLA Store, a comprehensive retail space offering:

BearWear: UCLA apparel and merchandise.
Academic Essentials: Textbooks, school supplies, and study aids.
Room and Office Necessities: Dorm supplies, stationery, and organizational tools.
Beauty: Cosmetics, skincare, and personal care products.
Joe n’ Go Coffee: A convenient coffee shop for a quick caffeine fix.
U See LA Optometry: Optometry services for eye exams and eyewear.
UCLA Store Market: A convenience store offering snacks, beverages, and groceries.

A-Level: A Hub of Services and Dining

A-Level provides a diverse range of services and dining options:

Post Office: Mailing and shipping services.
UCLA Blood and Platelet Center: A blood donation center.
Graduation Etc.: Graduation regalia and accessories.
Bruin Custom Print: Custom T-shirts, flyers, and printing services.
Bruin Fun Zone: A recreational area with table tennis and other games.
Wescom Credit Union and University Credit Union: Financial services for students.
Dachi Nook: Asian snacks and treats.
Restaurants: Bruin Buzz, Taco Bell, Carl’s Jr., and Kikka Sushi.

First Floor: A Culinary Paradise

The first floor is a culinary destination with a variety of restaurants:

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Lollicup Fresh: Tea, coffee, and snacks.
Wetzel’s Pretzels: Freshly baked pretzels.
Sweetspot: Desserts and sweet treats.
Panda Express: Chinese fast food.
Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill: Mexican cuisine.
Veggie Grill: Plant-based vegetarian options.
Epicuria at Ackerman: A diverse menu with various cuisines.
CORE (Convenient Options Ready to Eat): Grab-and-go meals and snacks.
Jamba by Blendid: Smoothies and blended beverages.

Students can enjoy their meals indoors at the Ackerman Union First Floor Dining Room or outdoors on the Wescom Student Terrace.

Second Floor: Event and Meeting Spaces

The second floor houses several meeting rooms and larger spaces:

Bruin Reception Room: A versatile space for receptions and gatherings.
Ackerman Grand Ballroom: A large ballroom for events and conferences.

These spaces are available for reservation through ASUCLA Event Services and serve as study spaces when not in use for events.

Third Floor: Reflection and Contemplation

The third floor offers a space for quiet reflection and contemplation:

Bruin Reflection Space: A non-denominational space for meditation and prayer.

Two additional meeting rooms are also available for rent on this floor.

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A Thriving Student-Run Enterprise

Ackerman Union and other AS UCLA services have become a thriving student-run nonprofit organization. Today, AS UCLA is a $75 million operation, encompassing the store, food services, and other enterprises. It employs approximately 2,000 students and 250 regular staff members, providing valuable work experience and opportunities for student involvement.

tags: #UCLA #Ackerman #Union #history #and #services