Close-ups: Celebrating a more perfect Union

Sept. 10 was a day for celebration. After years of discussion, planning and construction, the expansion of the University Union on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus was officially opened, and students have new spaces in which to relax, socialize and learn.

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Interim Chancellor David Ward and Union Director Rick Warpinski presided at a ceremony highlighting a full week of grand opening events.

Photos by Matt Robinson and Jenna Neumann
University Communications
Photojournalism Interns

Already, the newly expanded and remodeled areas have drawn rave reviews.

“What I’ve heard from students is they really love the extra open space we have now,” said Sue Keihn, dean of students. “It gives them more recreational space, as well as extra, and more visible, space for programming.”

The 20,000-square-foot addition, affecting two levels of the three-story building, is the new home of The Phoenix Bookstore and the UW Credit Union, which had previously been in the David A. Cofrin Library.

The Leona Cloud Commons—the main dining area on campus—was also expanded to increase seating capacity from 275 to 400.

A new main entrance, located across from Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, greets visitors with quick access to the Credit Union, bookstore and the relocated University Ticketing Services and Information Center.

The remodeling opened space for additional dining options. Selections now include the Ultimate Baja (Southwest style food) and Freshetta Pizza, in addition to a pasta bar, sub sandwiches, home style dinner entrées and salad bar.

Downstairs, a completely remodeled and updated Phoenix Club offers more seating space and entertainment options for students.

Student Life and Student Government Association offices were relocated to more accommodating offices, and the American Intercultural Center was moved to the Union from a space in the Cofrin Library. All three organizations are in areas with higher foot traffic and greater visibility.

The expansion started in March 2007 and was completed in time for the start of the 2008-09 academic year.

The project cost $6.2 million and was funded primarily with student fees. No state funding went into the University Union construction. About 21,000 square feet of space was remodeled.

The University Union, constructed originally in 1977 and expanded several times since, is now about 110,000 square feet.