On Sep. 20, the University of Arkansas was buzzing with excitement as students, staff, faculty and alumni gathered to celebrate the 50th birthday of the beloved Arkansas Union. Memories of feathered hair and disco filled the air, transporting attendees back to the vibrant era when the Student Union first opened its doors.
This iconic institution, often called the “heartbeat of campus,” annually welcomes approximately 3 million people into its doors and hosts around 10,000 events of varying sizes and levels.
Rob Stagni
Rob Stagni, the director of the Arkansas Union, stands at the center for planning. With responsibilities ranging from facility operations to event planning and overseeing student employees, Stagni’s passion for the Arkansas Union is evident.
“The Union is intentionally programmatically and geographically designed as the central focus point of campus life,” Stagni said. “When we talk to alumni, when we talk to folks who used to work at the university, it seems like everyone has some kind of fond memory here.”
Student Development Specialist Rebecca Ann Guilbeau, who began as a student worker in 2017 and is now a full-time employee, echoed this sentiment.
“The Union is the heart of campus,” Guilbeau said. “It’s a place for people to come together, and we pride ourselves on the impact our building has on the campus community.”
The Union has garnered many accolades over the decades, including recognition from the Association of College Union International (ACUI) for a Union Day program. Many staff members have also won individual awards from the ACUI.
Despite the Union’s prestige, it’s not about the awards and recognitions. Stagni said his favorite part of the work is just serving students directly.
“That is the most rewarding thing any of us get from this job,” Stagni said. “It is not the pay, it is not the glory, it is the opportunity to work with students to help them in moments and needs and hopefully be a part of their college experience that they will remember and cherish for years to come.”
The Union has evolved significantly over the decades. The now-staple living room and flag room did not exist in its early days. The fourth floor was an open lounge, the second floor was “the hub,” and the Union Theater was a more prominent feature.
The Union 50th Birthday celebration was a spin-off of the annual “Union Day” tradition. During Union Day, the building is essentially turned inside-out to highlight its tenants and services. This year, the celebration was larger than life with a twist, honoring the building’s ’70s origins with activities like a tie-dye station, Razorback mascots in retro attire and a hot dog stand. Coca-Cola also partnered with the Union for “Peace Tea” and ’70s-themed giveaways.
One of the day’s highlights was a spirited cornhole tournament that paid homage to an event fifty years ago. In the Union’s grand opening, an 8-ball pool tournament known as the “game of the century” took place, with the student government president and Union board chair battling iconic university figures President Mullins and Governor Bumpers. Coming down to a third game, the president and governor prevailed.
Chancellor Robinson
In the cornhole game Stagni named “the next game of the century”, ASG President Cael Losenegger and Chair of the Arkansas Union Advisory Committee Aleesa Williams faced off against Chancellor Robinson and Coach Jordyn Wieber in this modern-day showdown. In true Union spirit, Robinson and Weieber emerged victorious in the third round, a fitting tribute to the friendly spirit of competition that is an essential part of the Union’s legacy.
The celebration also included a brief ceremony at noon, with Chancellor Robinson speaking and staff presenting a proclamation from the Fayetteville mayor declaring Sep. 20 Arkansas Union Anniversary Day.
NWA radio station KUAF, also celebrating its 50th anniversary, set up in the Union living room, inviting students to share fond memories from within the building’s walls with their Listening Lab.
One person who has witnessed significant evolution and changes in the Union over an extended period is David Furr from Union Hair Care, a salon on the second floor. Furr joined the business in 1975, just a year after it opened and two years after the Union opened. He has been cutting hair in the Union ever since.
“The Union has given me my career,” Furr said. “It’s been a nice, fulfilling career, being a part of the campus community.”
Overall, the Union 50th Birthday celebration had a fantastic turnout by students and the university community, Stagni said. They were able to give away hundreds of prizes and an abundance of hotdogs, cupcakes and cake.
“We’ve heard from quite a few departments and event attendees who said they had a great time, learned things about the Union, and were happy to share in the experience,” Stagni said. “All in all, a rousing success for the Union and our building tenants.”
The Arkansas Student Union has stood the test of time, touching the lives of generations of Razorbacks. It is more than just a building, but a palace where memories are made, and the 50th Birthday Celebration was a testament to this enduring legacy.
“It was a big success and a wonderful opportunity to show campus what the Union has to offer,” Guilbeau said. “The Union is the heart of campus. Students, staff, faculty, and guests visiting the university walk through its doors every day. It’s a place for people to come together and we pride ourselves on the impact our building has on the campus community.”
Photos by Whit Pruitt
