The Joe Crowley Student Union: A Hub of University Life at the University of Nevada, Reno
The Joe Crowley Student Union stands as a testament to the vibrant history and evolving student life at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Named in honor of Dr. Joe Crowley, the 13th and longest-serving president of the university, the Student Union serves as a central hub for students, faculty, and the broader university community. Its history is intertwined with the development of student organizations, campus traditions, and the overall growth of the university itself.
Early Seeds of Student Life (1874-1937)
The seeds of a strong student community at UNR were planted long before the construction of the Joe Crowley Student Union. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the emergence of various student organizations and traditions that laid the foundation for a cohesive campus culture.
In 1874, the University of Nevada was established. In 1893, The Student Record, the university's student newspaper, began publication, providing a platform for student voices and campus news. The formation of the Athletic Association in 1898 signaled a growing interest in sports and campus recreation. The establishment of the Cadet Band in 1900 further enriched student life with musical performances and a sense of school spirit.
A significant milestone occurred in 1908 when the Student Body became the Associated Student Body, which later evolved into the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN). This marked the formal organization of student governance and advocacy on campus.
The celebration of the first Homecoming in 1920, when the football team played the Utah Aggies, established a tradition of school pride and alumni engagement that continues to this day. In 1937, a Sagebrush editor, John Carr, signed his name in the bottom of his office desk drawer and wrote "Make it a tradition," reflecting the desire to create lasting customs and memories at the university.
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Growth and Evolution of ASUN (1952-1988)
The mid-20th century saw continued growth and evolution in student governance and activities at UNR. In 1952, Wesley E. expanded the role and influence of student representation. A student court was formed in 1958 to pass judgment and suggest disciplinary action for undergraduates who violated rules, demonstrating a commitment to student self-governance and accountability.
In 1977, the Board of Regents approved a change from a consolidated fee to a fee per credit. ASUN received $1.37 per credit for students taking seven or more credits, with the understanding that intramurals would still be funded from this amount. This funding model provided ASUN with the resources to support a wider range of student programs and services.
ASUN's commitment to enhancing campus facilities was evident in 1987 when it supported the use of Student Union capital funds for a New Auditorium (total cost of $1.2 million). When bids for the new auditorium came back, it was projected to cost $400,000 more. The student body president attempted to save the project, and ASUN contributed $100,000 in savings from Valley Bank accounts and $200,000 from the ASUN Bookstore account.
In 1988, the ASUN Activities Board underwent a significant change, transitioning from having senators on the board to appointing and starting a new board within ASUN, known as Flipside Productions. This restructuring aimed to enhance the effectiveness and creativity of student programming and event planning.
Expanding Services and Honoring Legacy (1997-2007)
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw ASUN further expand its services and solidify its role as a vital resource for students. In 1997, an agreement was entered into which gave the Graduate Student Association (GSA) a percentage of the profits of the ASUN Bookstore equal to their FTE, minus 2%. This agreement recognized the importance of graduate students and provided them with additional financial support.
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ASUN continued to support student media, with The Sagebrush winning 2nd place for "Best in Show" at the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) for its Spring 2004 issue. In 2005, ASUN purchased two 12-passenger vans for Clubs and Organizations to use for trips, at a cost of $40,000. This investment enhanced the ability of student groups to participate in off-campus activities and events.
In 2006, Jeff Champagne was elected ASUN President, and Rita Laden, the Vice President for Student Life, retired from the University. The following year, ASUN committed $100,000 to student scholarships. Starting in fall 2007, ASUN offered a total of $131,000 in scholarship money, including $20,000 that was already being offered. This demonstrated ASUN's commitment to supporting student success and access to higher education.
In 2007, 10 percent of the student body voted in ASUN Elections, totaling 1317 students. ASUN also passed a resolution to name the Board Room in the new Union the Dr. Joe Crowley Board Room, honoring his contributions to the university. The ASUN Bookstore opened in the Joe Crowley Student Union, expanding the retail space and providing students with convenient access to textbooks and other academic materials. ASUN also changed its logo and started using the tagline "Learning. Leadership. Service."
The Joe Crowley Era (1978-2001): A Period of Transformation
Dr. Joe Crowley's presidency (1978-2000) marked a period of significant transformation and growth for the University of Nevada, Reno. He served longer than any other University president, and his record of accomplishment remains the standard by which all of the institution's presidents will be compared.
During his tenure, Crowley oversaw a dramatic expansion of the institution, both in the size of the campus and in student and faculty numbers. He helped bring a sense of measure, stability, and accountability to the campus and labored at restoring campus morale. The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine was expanded to a statewide institution, with facilities established in Las Vegas. The university established a new core curriculum and widely enhanced sponsored faculty research on campus. The university founded both the College of Human and Community Sciences (known today as the Division of Health Sciences) and of the Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism.
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Crowley's leadership extended beyond the university, as he served on the board of directors of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges (NASULGC). From 1993 to 1995, he was president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and after his presidency there, he served as a member of its Honors Committee and Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee. In 2006, Crowley authored the book In the Arena: The NCAA's First Century to commemorate the association's centennial.
Crowley's impact on the university and the state of Nevada was profound. He was a mentor and an advocate for students, faculty, and staff. He understood how to help the institution grow and evolve and was deeply committed to its land-grant mission.
The Joe Crowley Student Union: A Modern Hub (2009-Present)
In 2009, ASUN passed Joint Vision 2017, a strategic plan for the organization. Two fees (Performing Arts, $5 a semester; and Academic Success, $25 a semester) were passed by the senate, approved by the student vote, and approved by the Regents.
The Joe Crowley Student Union stands as a modern hub for student life, offering a wide range of services, amenities, and spaces for students to connect, collaborate, and engage. Positioned at major campus crossroads and situated to be visible from the relocated campus entrance, the building fulfills campus master plan objectives by providing the arrival point to the University while allowing for expansion. The building functions as a space where learning and socializing occur simultaneously in an environment designed to embrace and welcome the community.
Environmentally sustainable design was integrated into all planning levels, including furnishing selections. Green principles guided every decision from design phases to furniture selections.
The Student Union houses the ASUN offices, providing a central location for student government and advocacy. The ASUN Bookstore offers textbooks, supplies, and other academic materials. A variety of dining options are available, providing students with convenient and diverse food choices. Meeting rooms, study spaces, and lounge areas offer places for students to collaborate, study, and relax. The Joe Crowley Student Union also hosts events, performances, and activities throughout the year, further enriching campus life.
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