Student Union improvements start

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday to celebrate the University Student Union Improvement Project, entitled "Building Better, Brick by Brick."

This project will involve renovations to the student union that will start in November and is estimated to be completed in June, 1998, according to a pamphlet by the Student Union.

Addressing the inconvenience that students might have with all of the changes that will be going on in the Student Union, Carl Kemp, Associated Students president, said that students can learn something from the cockroach.

He said that the roach has survived for a very long time because it has learned to adapt to its new surroundings.

"If cockroaches can change, people can also change and adapt," Kemp said.

On behalf of the students, Kemp thanked all of the people who were instrumental in getting this project started. He thanked Suzie Aramesh, former A.S. president, for all of her efforts in seeing that the project was passed and is now underway. He also thanked all of the students who voted in favor of the project.

"It's the student's Union and they're taking responsibility for it," Kemp said. "And it's the students who will be paying for the improvements for the next three years."

Eugene Minter, director of the Student Union, said that it has taken years to get this project off the ground.

"I look forward to this project," Minter said. "It's going to be an awesome Student Union when it's finished."

Doug Robinson, vice president of Student Services, said that the improvements to the Student Union will make it the "hub" of campus activities while enhancing student life.

Improvements include a Commuter Student Services Center, expanded lounge spaces, and an exterior escalator.

Three new food services will include: King Taco, Subway and McDonald's.

For relocation of events and programs, call the Entertainment Hotline at (310) 985-8480.