OSU’s Student Union celebrates 75th anniversary

Friday, August 22, 2025

Media Contact: Jeff Hopper | Communications and Media Relations Manager | 405-744-5827 | jeff.hopper@okstate.edu

Students, faculty and staff from across Oklahoma State University’s Stillwater campus gathered to celebrate the Student Union’s 75th anniversary on Wednesday.

The beloved hub honored the historic occasion with cake, decorations and visits from Pistol Pete and President Jim Hess.

Director of the Student Union Tracie Brown and interim Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Amber Manning-Oulette spoke at the event.

Brown credited Debbie Shotwell, the assistant director of Student Union Marketing, with the anniversary celebration. 

Manning-Oulette also introduced the new vice president for student affairs Dr. Brent A. Marsh.

The American Institute of Cooperation was the first group to gather at the Student Union on Aug. 21-24, 1950. It officially opened on Sept. 9 for then OSU President Henry G. Bennett to address the college faculty in the second-floor grand ballroom. 

Since then, the Student Union has been a comforting place for students throughout the decades. With tons of places to eat, study and relax, it’s where they connect the most. OSU student Camden Roberts shared his gratitude for the building.

“I think it's remained such a significant part of campus because it’s a great meeting spot for all the different colleges across campus, which are kind of spread out,” Roberts said. “There's the stores here, all the different restaurants and shops, lots of places to sit, and the ballroom and the lounge reboot room. Lots of different things to bring people here.”

Roberts said it would be interesting to see a return of old-school traditions and events to the Student Union. 

“With the 75th anniversary, I’ve been seeing all the neat events that used to be held here, whether it be dances or fairs. It’s a great way to meet other people that you normally wouldn’t meet in whatever college or school you’re in,” Roberts said.

Staci Dodson, another frequent Student Union visitor, said the food options and social environment keep her coming back. She also often visits to volunteer for Pete’s Pet Posse.

“The Student Union is just kind of the resource hub for everyone here,” Dodson said. “There’s no reason not to come here.”

Shotwell expressed her love for the Student Union and believes it’s the students who give the building purpose.

“We want to make sure that students realize that this is their building, and everything that we do is to serve them,” Shotwell said. “Whether it's retail, dining, the student services, campus life work, we do that all for them.”

She also highlighted the building as a place for students to unwind throughout the day.

“Students find this to be a very comfortable place to be. They can come and meet with friends. We have all sorts of specialized groups that meet here,” Shotwell said. “I think it just kind of encompasses so many things that we do and people enjoy, and they'll come here to take naps, and we love that this is a place where they feel comfortable enough to do that.”

Story By: Hannah Carl | hannah.carl@okstate.edu