O n February 21, the Associated Students, Inc., marked its 50th anniversary with an evening filled with memories, laughter, pride and hope.
“This event was intended to be a look at how the ASI aided students’ development across the years,” said Kim Hinckson, the anniversary coordinator. “The ASI has always been the source for student advocacy and change on campus, and it’s very rewarding to see how things have evolved the last 50 years,” she said.
The reception featured memorabilia from the ASI’s early days. Speakers included various campus leaders, including President F. King Alexander, Vice President for Student Services Doug Robinson and ASI President Jamie Pollock. Past ASI leaders reminisced about their days of involvement. Guests also enjoyed a short video about ASI.
“It is fantastic to think about the generations of students who have been positively impacted by what ASI has to offer,” said Executive Director Richard Haller. “It really makes me proud of the organization and to have been a part of it for as long as I have.”
The ASI formally voted to incorporate on February 13, 1956. The organization provides many valuable services to students and the extended community. It operates the University Student Union, the AS Recycling Center, the Soroptimist House and the Isabel Patterson Child Development Center, all of which are used by students and members of the community alike.
“This celebration reflects 50 years of all that we have accomplished as a student-run corporation,” said Hinckson. “Whether it was building a better facility for students or more growth in the services we provide, this was an incredible way to reflect on those milestones,” she said. —Ruiz is executive assistant for the ASI.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1957 | Soroptimist House constructed and donated to ASI. Serves as first “college union.” |
| 1965 | ASI holds referendum to approve construction of a “student body center.” |
| 1970 | ASI funding starts first recycling program. |
| 1971 | Construction of USU building completed. ASI begins providing childcare for students’ children at local YMCA. Program later moves to Soroptimist House. |
| 1975 | Isabel Patterson Child Development Center opens. |
| 1976 | Recycling Center is completed. |
| 1977 | Long Beach Union begins publication. |
| 1986 | Isabel Patterson Child Development Center expands; the Dome and an office building are constructed. |
| 1994 | Isabel Patterson Child Development Center’s Infant/Toddler facility is completed. |
| 1998 | $17M improvement project is completed, providing an additional 24,000 sq. ft. to the USU. K-Beach radio begins broadcasting. |
| 2000 | “Beach Pride” referendum passes, providing more than $1 million in student funds for CSULB Athletics. Campus Spirit programs become part of ASI. |
| 2004 | Recreational Sports become part of ASI. |
