2021
Student Union celebrates 75th anniversary
Oklahoma State University celebrated the 75th anniversary of its beloved Student Union with cake, decorations, and appearances by Pistol Pete and President Jim Hess. The event featured remarks from Director Tracie Brown and interim VP for Student Affairs Dr. Amber Manning-Oulette, who introduced incoming VP Dr. Brent A. Marsh. Opened in 1950, the Student Union has long served as a central hub for students to eat, study, relax, and connect. OSU student Camden Roberts praised its role in bringing together students from across campus, suggesting a revival of traditional events like dances and fairs to foster more interaction. Frequent visitor Staci Dodson highlighted the food options and social atmosphere, noting her involvement with Pete’s Pet Posse. Assistant Director Debbie Shotwell, credited with organizing the celebration, emphasized the building’s purpose: serving students. “Students find this to be a very comfortable place to be. They can come and meet with friends. We have all sorts of specialized groups that meet here,” Shotwell said. “I think it just kind of encompasses so many things that we do and people enjoy, and they'll come here to take naps, and we love that this is a place where they feel comfortable enough to do that.” The anniversary honored decades of community and connection, reinforcing the Student Union’s role as the heart of campus life.
