UB celebrates grand reopening of Student Union

The newly renovated Student Union reopened to rave reviews on Wednesday.

“I like the bigger space for people to gather,” said Kaitlyn Ha, a graduate student in the School of Public Health and Health Professions. “I feel like it’s more interconnected this way.”

“It definitely has a modern look,” said Raven Ullah, an undergraduate communication major. “More students are spending more time here than ever before.”

“I love it,” said Krystal Vealey, a senior majoring in biological sciences. “It’s beautiful.”

The three students, fellow co-workers in the Student Union, were among those who gathered inside the union on Wednesday to mark its grand reopening with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

Construction began at the end of 2023, but the union remained open for dining and services while portions of the building were closed to complete the project in two phases.

The project was largely finished for the start of the fall semester, but now with the work complete, the university thought it was appropriate to formally celebrate this milestone.

As the new semester begins next week, President Satish K. Tripathi said he looks forward to seeing students taking advantage of the inviting, comfortable environment inside the renovated Student Union.

“Naturally, academics are the primary focus of UB students’ experience,” Tripathi said.

“Yet, we know how important it is for our students to have a robust student experience — gathering, socializing, getting involved in student activities, clubs and organizations,” the president said. “All contribute to personal and academic growth and a well-rounded campus experience.”

The original portion of the Student Union was built in 1985 as the Student Activity Center; a major addition was completed in 1992.

The goal, this time around, was to create a more student-friendly experience that gives the feel of a “living room” and enhances the social heart of the North Campus by providing a variety of flexible seating and workspaces for students.

The large, interior vestibule wall was removed and replaced with a smaller, glass entryway onto Mary Talbert Way, making the lobby bigger and brighter.

Better access between the second and third floors was provided with the addition of a new, open staircase and landing.

There’s updated flooring and a new ceiling; new pendant lighting; and acoustical panels along the walls to improve the acoustics and reduce noise levels.

And a variety of new seating for students to meet, eat or study was added to help create that feel of a campus living room.

“The main lobby was increased in size from 9,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet, unifying the dining and study spaces that were previously separated,” said Laura Hubbard, vice president for finance and administration. “It creates a warm and lively campus living room environment.”

“The heart of university life has always been the Student Union, and today we honor its evolution into a venue that really embodies the vitality of our unique community,” said Samin Bhuya, president of the undergraduate Student Association.

“I truly want to thank the university for its commitment to improving the student experience,” Bhuya said.

This was the first phase of the Student Union Master Plan, which involved architectural and design firms, and feedback from students and other campus stakeholders.

Hubbard and Brian Hamluk, vice president for student life, hinted at more to come, including enhancements to the student experience at Harriman Hall on the South Campus.

Both also thanked the many people involved in bringing the project to fruition, including Michael Tuzzo, project architect and UB alumnus, who also spoke at Wednesday’s ceremony.

Hamluk, who served as master of ceremonies, began the festivities with a light-hearted introduction thanking Tripathi.

“This starts with our university president,” Hamluk said. “As we sit here today, it’s hard not to think about the similarity and leadership between President Tripathi and the authors of our U.S. Constitution.”

“They both have visions for a more perfect union,” Hamluk cracked.

The crowd laughed.