University President Dr. John L. Crain cuts a ceremonial ribbon during the Student Union’s Grand Opening ceremony. The ceremony occurred last week and marked the completion of a three phase renovation of the Student Union.  SGA President Alexis Quackenbush was also on stage during the ribbon cutting.
The Lion's Roar/Karson Sharp

Four years of renovation were commemorated in one afternoon at the Student Union’s official Grand Opening Ceremony.  

The ceremony lasted from 12 to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Apr. 14 and was held under the Student Union Walkway.

Several notable campus officials spoke at the ceremony, beginning with Student Government Association President and senior political science major Alexis Quackenbush.  

“The main reason we did the re-opening now is because creating the new War Memorial Student Union was part of a three phase plan,” said Quackenbush. “Phase three was just completed. Phase one was the building with the food court and Mane Dish, phase two was building the bookstore and the final phase was moving a lot of student centered offices to the new union. For example, the SGA Office and the Counseling Center are over here now.”  

After a welcoming speech and introduction by Quakenbush, University President John L. Crain recognized special guests in attendance and delivered additional remarks. During this speech, the President mentioned the many construction projects he has overseen during his time at Southeastern. Following Crain’s speech, special guest speaker and former University President Dr. Randy Moffett spoke to the crowd. 

After Dr. Moffett spoke, the green ceremonial ribbon was cut by Crain. 

According to Event and Conference Services Director Cally Berner, the ceremony had been planned for six months. Concerns for the event were finding a date and time that worked for students, finding a location that would be minimally affected by weather and selecting a space that would accommodate the crowd that appeared. Berner estimates at least 300 students and faculty attended the ribbon cutting.

Students may use the Student Union for their dining, social and recreational needs. One student explained how the union has served him over the years.  

“I love going to the Student Union for meals,” said sophomore criminal justice major Aaron Montz. “The food is a lot like what I’m served at home and there are so many options. They have a home-cooked meal station, a pizza station and a lot of other things. I also like to see Miss Marilyn’s smiling face every time I head over.”  

For more information on the Student Union, the services they offer and upcoming student events, visit the university home page.

After the cutting, students posed with a large Instagram cutout.
Student Publications/Lee Lind