The University of Arizona Student Union: A Hub of History, Services, and Community
The University of Arizona Student Unions stand as the vibrant heart of campus, a dynamic space where students converge for dining, relaxation, engagement, and a sense of belonging. More than just a building, the Student Union Memorial Center (SUMC) encapsulates the university's history, values, and commitment to student success. Serving as a "kitchen and living room away from home," the Student Unions provide a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to meet the diverse needs of the student body.
A Legacy of Remembrance: The Student Union Memorial Center
Coming to UA for the first time tends to include seeing the Student Union Memorial Center before anything else, but it can be easy to forget those last two words: memorial center. Though the aspects memorializing the USS Arizona are not overbearing, they are there.
The SUMC is dedicated to the memory of those who died in service to their country, most notably the men who perished on the USS Arizona during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. An art installation reminiscent of a ship’s mast and sail features dog tags to commemorate those who lost their lives on the USS Arizona Member in Pearl Harbor. This piece is located in the Student Union Memorial Center roundabout. The Arizona bell is preserved in the Student Unions tower and is dedicated to the memory of the men who lost their lives on the battleship Arizona in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Several architectural and artistic elements within the SUMC pay homage to the USS Arizona. The circular staircase space was designed to be reminiscent of the main gun turret on the battleship, according to Taft. Above the east-west corridors of the union are bridges like those which were on the ship. A flagpole represents the mast, and the shades on the north side of the building sort of portray a sail. Susan Gamble’s memorial sculpture in the middle of the circle drive outside of the union resembles a ship mast and contrasts the 1,177 fallen men to the 334 survivors. Along with the safekeeping of the bell and the clock from the original union, the reliefs representative of the branches of the military were preserved and reinstalled as well. These bas-relief style sculptures can be found in the rotunda as well as the south wall of the union, where the Sanderson relief represents the turmoil and fatigue of war, with a dove in the middle-or “a protective wing over soldiers,” according to Taft.
Larry Jones, the official union representative for the Pearl Harbor events since 1999, is confident the new installment will spark an interest in the existing memorial features. “The union has always been closely tied to the USS Arizona and the bell,” Jones said. “The biggest improvement here was that you can see the bell every day now.
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A Historical Perspective: From Humble Beginnings to Modern Hub
The seeds of the student union movement were sown in 19th-century England, with the formation of debating societies at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford. These unions served as training grounds for future leaders. By the late 19th century, the concept had crossed the Atlantic, and student unions began to emerge in American universities. Today hundreds of American universities belong to the Association of College Unions.
The idea for a student recreation center at the University of Arizona was first proposed by President Cloyd Heck Marvin in 1923. This initial effort was followed in 1938 by a committee formed under the leadership of President Alfred Atkinson to raise money for a student union building. However this initiative stalled due to a lack of funding and the start of World War II. After nearly 28 years of planning, and $1.2 million in expenditures, The University of Arizona Student Memorial Union building was completed in 1951.
In 1946, the UA Alumni Association began a state-wide campaign to organize and raise funds for a Student Union on campus. The campaign raised approximately one-third of the project's cost. Another third came from bonds, and the final third, for food services, was contributed by the legislature. On November 17, 1951 the Memorial Student Union was dedicated, and its commemorative bronze plaque read:The Memorial Student Union building was a monument not only to the 283 war dead whose names are inscribed on the plaque below the dedication but also to the men who went down with the USS Arizona on that fateful day, December 7, 1941, and to those who died in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. The sculpture on the front of the building personifies the devotion and courage displayed by the men who ardently defended our cherished freedom. The bell in the Union tower was taken from the sunken USS Arizona.
Since 1951, the Student Unions has served the University of Arizona community. From hosting meetings, special events, and conferences to feeding hungry college students and visiting guests, we are indeed the living room (and kitchen) of our institution. Unlike other departments and units of the university, the Student Unions does not receive money from either the State of Arizona tax dollar or Federal Government subsidies. We do receive a portion of student fees to assist with the daily operations of a self-supporting organization.
As the turn of the 21st century neared, UA’s old student union was overwhelmed with its student population and the building fell below basic structural codes. One design challenge the MHTN team faced was a major utility tunnel which ran in the direction of Mountain Avenue all the way to the science buildings. This kept projects going for year, and they were not to be interrupted for the remodel. “There are aspects of the design of the union that consider and harken back to certain memorial aspects,” Taft said. “So, there are a few key features, which are symbolic, of course, and not exact replications. Arizona, like its memorial in Hawaii.
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In 1999, construction began to completely rebuild the Memorial Student Union. This three-year, two-phase, $60 million construction project utilized the old building’s existing footprint and expanded it from 274,500 square feet to 405,00 square feet, all while the Student Unions team maintained uninterrupted food service to the university community. The east portion of the original building was torn down first, while the bookstore and foodservice operations in the west section continued to service customers. The majority of foodservice construction occurred in phase one from August 1999 to September 2001. In phase two, the middle and west sections of the original building were torn down, and new ballrooms, meeting rooms, theater/auditorium, and additional foodservice operations were completed in December 2002. One big change was the open concept, with a lot of glass and entry/exit points,” Jones said.
The University of Arizona Student Union Memorial Center, commonly referred to as the SUMC, is a hub of student activity on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.
The SUMC has also been a site of student activism. In 1969, the SUMC was the site of a 3-day sit-in by students protesting the university's involvement in the Vietnam War. In 1971, the SUMC was also the site of a protest against the visit of then-President Richard Nixon.
A Mission of Service: Meeting the Needs of a Diverse Community
While the initial impetus for the formation of unions has changed from an elite student debate club to an organization serving the entire university community, its stated goals still reflect the historical origins of the student union association. The mission statement of The University of Arizona Student Memorial Union, for example, states that: "In all its processes, the union encourages self-directed activity, giving maximum opportunity for self-realization and for growth in individual, social competency and group effectiveness." The union's goal is the development of persons as well as intellects. Traditionally considered the "hearthstone" or "living room" of the campus, today's unions are gathering places of the college. The unions provide services and conveniences that members of the college community need in their daily lives and create an environment for getting to know and understand others through formal and informal associations. The unions serve as unifying forces that honor each individual and value diversity. The unions foster a sense of community that cultivates enduring loyalty to the college.
Dining and Nourishment: Fueling the Campus Community
Nourishing the Campus Community We are a self-operated Student Union, dedicated to fueling the campus community by providing nutritious and convenient dining options. Arizona Dining serves around 30,000 meals daily across 30+ kitchens on campus, while Arizona Catering & Events Co. supports around 4,000 events annually.
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At the core of its offerings is Arizona Dining, which manages over 30+ diverse restaurants on campus to satisfy every taste. To complement the dining experience, we offer Meal Plans that provide convenient access to our eateries for students.
Programs and Activities: Fostering Connection and Well-being
Providing Inclusive Environments At the heart of campus life, the Student Unions enhances the academic experience with cultural, social, and recreational programs that foster connection and well-being. Hosting over 200 programs annually we support student clubs/organizations with spaces to gather. Whether you're looking to join a club, participate in cultural events, or simply enjoy a game with friends, the Student Unions offer something for everyone. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment that balances the educational, recreational, cultural, and social needs of our diverse student body.
Key Services and Resources: Supporting Student Success
Fostering Student Success The Student Unions operates 600,000 sq. ft of space across campus, with the SUMC hosting key services like Meal Plans, CatCard, and the Basic Needs Center. This multi-level building offers a wide range of services and amenities for students, including dining options, study spaces, a theater, a game room, meeting rooms, and more.
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