Arizona State University - Sun Devil Spark / Sahuaro Yearbook (Tempe, AZ)

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• It . ‘.sjt s a Living Memorial to the men and women from, this campus 5 3 gave tMMttjves-for the purpose cf defending and preserving the heritage they? cherish»., pya heritage the Ar.encan way of life is founded on the in®.dual citizenship which seeks a balance between freedom and responsi- bility The e'o-'e'fh'fs'Memorial Union is designed as a laboratory m democratic livir . and fcdicated to the education which students receive in the informal s of playing, and living outside the classroom. It is ’tended to svijMlement § e aft' temic education of students, and to rela'e trie academic and no hcademil.f |f6rs of campus life so that the student’s framing as a whole pe«t©n will e weii-rounded and complete. ■ The Marnoriai Union is the living room, reception room, dining room, and BSation roSa.oCthc College. It is for the use of students, faculty, and alumni a to the eltenf feasible, the community of Ar one. It is intended to promote, coordinated .program, harmonious and pleasant relationships within and con these various groups. ‘The Memorial Union is the focal point of ’he political, business, and social 5g0t$£sses ofyurfent life It is dedicated to the belief that activities carried on within these waifs should bring to students those aesthetic, religious, and social values esesnnal to our culture and our times. Plato, commenting on the stand- ards of culture, said, 'What is honored in a country is cultivated there'. OFFICIAI STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF UNION FROM DEAN $HCF$TAll AND MEMORIAL UNION COMMITTEE

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 THIS UNION BUILDING jfc A LIVING MEMORIAL • Commemorated here are the valor and deep loyalty of students faculty and alumni who served in defense of our country. Man gave their lives on distant seas, in far off lands, in foreign skies This building is dedicated to them in humble gratitude so that thei sacrifice shall not be forgotten. May it inspire the living to preserv the democratic traditions they cherished. PCt- 372.0 72 — CeplZ-

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• Here it is for YOU, students! These were the words of Dale Clarkson, President of the Associated Students, as he cut the offi- cial ribbon at the entrance to the Memorial Union Building. Dedi- cation ceremonies were held Sunday, February 26, with the pre- sentation of the one and a half million dollar Living room for democracy to the students held Monday, February 27, 1956 dur- ing an all-school holiday. Opening activities extended through the week which ended with a semiforma! dance featuring the music of Ralph Marterie's orchestra. Yes, here it s, the dream of future-sighting citizens of Ari- zona State, who planned and worked for what now is a reality — and answored the need for a Student Union, a living room that will convert the college from a house of learning to a home of learning, unifying the student body, effecting a centralized social program, and expanding cultural interests. One of the best aspects of the new Memorial Union is the centralization of campus activities and the improvement of the facilities for service. Information and student government came from the administration building, the cafeteria and Den from their old locations, the post office and book store from the Arts build- ing basement. State Press and Sahuaro from the English building. All are now housed in the Union. One of the largest in the state, the cafeteria is given a feel- ing of expanse and light by the large plate glass windows and covered walk extending tho length of the north and east walls. Lighting and cooling are housed in a multi colored and textured freeform false ceiling The counters and tablo tops are of ma- hogany formicas, and the chairs are covered with a white leather- ette. acting as a perfect foil for the vivid colors throughout the room. The dining room and separate faculty dining area arc serviced by one of the state's best equipped kitchens, where tile and stainless steel allow easy cleaning and spaciously located all new equipment allows ease of preparation. Three complete food serving units provide quick service to those living on and off campus. Wall-paper depicting roaring 20's college life decorates the Devil's Den. Short order and dancing facilities make ihe den the most convenient meeting place for students whether it bo a botwoen class break, a coke date, or just relaxation. Two glass walls help to bring the college into the Devil's Den. Through one, the administration building and the Union patio with its victory bell, mounted on a stand of stono from the White House, can be seen. The other, opens through arcadia glass doors onto a terrace which overlooks the baseball diamond and the army drill field. The Book Store, one of the most modern and attractive retail outlets in the Valley, aside from the usual school supplies and text books, will handle reading matter of all levels, stationery, clothing, and an extensive line of notions and college accessories. Housed on the second floor, facing the college administra- tion offices across the street, are the various Student Government executive offices. There is a counselling office available to Dean of Students W. P. Shofstall, so that he can maintian closer contact with student government and the student body os a whole. The ASASC Senate has a special chamber for its meetings. Organiza- tions have a locker room and there is a meeting room that can be partitioned into three separate areas by drawing the modern-fold curtains, available for their use. The ballroom with its hardwood inlaid floors, wood panelled wells, and its multi-colored and textured ceiling, lighting varia- tions. and glass wall opening onto the starlight terrace, is one of the most attractive sections of the Union. The nature of its makeup and its location will make if one of the most useful as well. The stage at the north end of the ballroom has special lighting adapt- able to dramatic and musical presentations, and also holds the screen for the theater type projection booth above the entrances on the south side. Opening the arcadia qlass doors of the glass walled east side doubles the size of the ballroom by allowing dances to overflow onto the starlight terrace. One end of the starlight terrace is the Malt Shop whose kitchen also serves the banquet room which may be reached through the ballroom's