University of Kansas - Jayhawker Yearbook (Lawrence, KS)

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OCTOBER, 1935 U A Class Party The Union Today The Main Lounge Manager Cochrane The Union Fountain K.U s Dream. Castle

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THE JAYHAWKER K. U. x s dream castle The University ' s Tribute to Kansas ' War Heroes Plays a Vital Part on the life of Every Student by BOB COREY FEW persons stop to question the pres- ence of the Student Memorial Union on our campus; but a. decade ago such student recreation centers were regarded as novel innovations and some felt their effect would be detrimental to the scholas- tic record of the student body. However, in the past few years student unions have definitely proven their desirability, and at present few universities of any size are without some type of student center. The Union movement started at the University of Kansas in 1917 as origi- nally proposed, a million dollar fund was to be raised for the erection of a stadium and a Union building. These structures were to be memorials to the University ' s war heroes. Since that time, however, the stadium was taken over by the newly created athletic board, and the funds were used in the building of the present Memorial Union. Approximately $6 0,000 was pledged in the campaign, and the greater part of this was used to build the present unit of the Union building. As Kansas was one of the few schools to attempt such an undertaking at that time, other universities regarded this project curiously when the building was opened in 1925. Since then, however, the success- ful operation of student Unions has made them generally accepted every- where. As the building now stands; it is only partially completed, and future addi- tions will be made on the north and west sides. When totally finished it will repre- sent an expenditure of three-fourths mil- lion dollars and will be one of the largest and finest buildings of its kind in the United States. The units which will be added as soon as funds are available will contain an extensive reading room, increased dining facilities, a concourse overlooking the stadium and Kaw valley, additional recre- ation rooms, guest rooms, and possibly a swimming pool. However, before any new construction is started the present structure will be more completely finished and improved by refinishing the sub- basement, increasing the fountain space, and service rooms. All committee rooms now in the basement will be moved to the third floor above the ballroom, which will provide ample room for all Uni- versity activities, groups, and organi- zations. Without a doubt the Union fulfills a very definite need in the life of every student. Many come there to relax and listen to the radio, or to meet their friends, while those who indulge in seri- ous pastimes find cards, chess men, and checkers for entertainment. The Union fountain is the nucleus of all daytime activity in the building. During the morning there is seldom a vacant booth not intended to be a cast of reflection on the habitual class-cutters. Try to find a place to sit down in the fountain on the morning of a Convocation standing room is even at a premium. Not only is it a good place to indulge in a fudge sundae or coke, but it also offers an excellent opportunity to hear the latest Hill gossip. The small curtains at the tops of the booths serve well enough in shutting off a view of your neighbor, but they are by no means sound-proof. Prob- ably the Union is best known for the Mid-Week dance, which is given by the operating committee gratis to all students, and the varsities which are held nearly every Friday or Saturday in the magnifi- cent ballroom. This year several new services have been added to the long list that the Union already makes available to everyone. A Student Travel Bureau has been instituted this year for the first time. All those desiring transportation may register where and when they wish to go, and those hav- ing cars and desiring passengers are asked to do likewise. If everyone cooperates it should free a lot of the space on the bulletin boards now taken up by announcements of this type and provide a more effective means of securing trans- portation. A writing desk has been placed in the lounge, and official stationery and envelopes are furnished free to all who ask for it. (The management adds, how- ever, that stamps will be sold at regular prices) . A new dictionary, the largest to be found, is at the main desk; now dur- ing intermission Mary Freshman can look up some of those big words that John Senior was using so fluently when he cut her the fourth time. Mary and John can also brighten their studying or letter- writing by chewing gum and and munching candy, both of which can be purchased at the new candy counter located on the main desk. When students grow tired of the monotonous routine of school life, they can always get away from it by delving into the romance of some of the current magazines, which may be checked out from the desk. Daily issues of leading newspapers are also available for the students ' use. Among the structural changes com- pleted are the new service entrance in the sub-basement. This drive needed extra parking space at varsities. The girls ' lounge has been redecorated in a very attractive color scheme of yel- low and green. With walls of a light greenish yellow, the furniture has been covered to match them in bright Monk ' s cloth and chintz. Although this lounge is now smaller because of the installation of a check room, the transformation is a pleasing one. Probably one of the great- est changes in the main floor of the building is the new check stand. It is now large enough for the accommodation of not only the men ' s hats and overcoats, but also of girls ' wraps. Situated on the east side of the lounge, the check room is now much more convenient and furnishes a nice leaning and meeting place for you boys while waiting for your dates to reappear. A much-needed men ' s room has been installed on the main floor also. Heavy new rust-colored drapes, with bits of white and tan yarn running through them, have been hung in the main lounge of the Union. A navy blue velour back drop and brass railing have been added to the orchestra platform of the ballroom to enhance its beauty. Of course, we like the formality of this new addition, but it does cramp the style of the many stags who, having grown tired of looking for a certain miss, decide to park at the orchestra members ' feet until she dances by. The control of the Union building rests essentially with the students. It is their building and recreation center, and is run on a non-profit basis for the benefit of the entire student body. The Union Operating committee controls the gen- ( Continued on page 68)

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, PHASER HALL FROM THE ANATOMY BUILDING