MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1999

Union heart of campus

By Rachelle Imson

On-line Forty-Niner

Located in the heart of Cal State Long Beach, the University Student Union houses the Associated Students Inc., the games area and more importantly, the food court.

With its large interior patios, flexible meeting rooms, comfortable lounges and food service facilities, the Student Union is the CSULB's living room.

But it hasn't always been like this.

The Student Union has gone through several renovations since it was first built in 1972. In 1995, after years of studying students' needs, a referendum funding the Improvement Project-including the expansion and renovation of the Student Union -was initiated and passed.

With $17 million, the project established a Commuter Student Services Area, a Leadership Resource Center, computer center and a new West Wing.

Before the renovation, one of the Student Union's popular attractions was the fire place. In the good old days, students could purchase skis and equipment from the ski shop, go skiing, and come back to a warm fire at the Student Union, said Vivian Linderman, director of Fund Development.

In the course of the renovation, a faculty and staff dining area known as the Oak Room, was shut down and in its place the Blue Marble Cafe opened.

The second level is service oriented. The Photo and Ticket Booth, Student Life and Development, Planet Graph X and food court are some of the services located there.

Students have restaurants to fill every craving from a variety of burgers at Carl's Jr., sub sandwiches at Subway, Mexican food at King Taco.

Associated Students Inc. is housed there as well and offers students an opportunity to participate in student government.