USU celebrates its past, present

By Suzanne Johnson, On-Line Forty-Niner

Monday, October 12, 1998

Past and present Associated Students Inc. members representing five generations came together Saturday at Cal State Long Beach's University Student Union for a reunion and dedication ceremony.

Among the 145 in attendance were Roger Bryson, the first A.S.I. president; Susan Narita, the first female A.S.I. president; Frank Noffke, Student Union planner; and Ed Killingsworth, architect of the Student Union.

"I am so glad I came," Narita said, who traveled from Switzerland to attend the event. "When I got the flier in the mail, it just struck a cord. I haven't been on campus for years and I wanted to come see everyone."

Jonathan O'Brien, 1990-91 A.S.I. vice president, echoed Narita's sentiments.

"It's amazing to see the continuity here and to know that you're part of a line that stretches back 50 years," he said.

"What a dream campus. So full of life and vigor," said Henry Funderbunk, 1992-93 A.S.I. president, who traveled from Germany to attend the event.

After a luncheon and dedication program, those attending participated in activities such as Jeopardy, viewing student art, watching videos on the history of CSULB and touring the new A.S.I. offices.

The event was not scheduled without obstacles.

"It was a challenge to get everyone in the same place at the same time," said Jamie Higgins, assistant to the director of development for the Student Union.

The desire for a facility to meet organizational, recreational and social needs began in the 1950s. In the early 1960s, CSULB President Carl McIntosh hired Student Union planner Frank Noffke to direct the process of establishing such a facility.

Noffke obtained input from students, staff, faculty and administrators regarding the Student Union. After prolonged discussions, a student referendum was held in March 1965 to authorize the use of student fees for construction of the Student Union.

Groundbreaking occurred on Feb. 19, 1969. The Student Union was officially opened for student use on Sept. 19, 1972.

With an increase in enrollment, students and campus officials met again, almost 20 years later, to discuss the possibility of enlarging and renovating the existing structure. Nearly 10 years elapsed before a student referendum was passed to authorize the project and additional student fees necessary to finance the project.

Groundbreaking again occurred in November 1996 and the A.S.I. officially presented the renovated Student Union to the campus community Saturday.

"The opening of the new University Student Union marks another milestone in the history of Cal State Long Beach because it further demonstrates the richness of resources and excellence of our young, proud institution," CSULB President Robert Maxson said. "The students who supported the expansion of the Union have shown their foresight and selflessness in leaving a legacy to be enjoyed by other students for many years to come."

The Student Union is the third largest student union in the California State University system.

"It is always gratifying to me to be in a space which possesses a beauty of balance and proportion and makes my spirits soar," Killingsworth said.