South Campus Center History

In 1964 Charles Odegaard, University of Washington President, appointed an Ad Hoc Committee on Student Service Facilities. One of their recommendations was to build a facility to serve the south campus community. The facility was to include lounges, study spaces, student offices, meeting rooms and food services.

In 1968 the Board of Regents approved a budget of $3.5 million from Special Student Fees to build the South Campus Center, and in October 1969 the Regents approved its present site with the hope that it would open in early 1973.

Construction on South Campus Center finally began in 1973 and, although some portions of the building were opened in October 1974, the official opening was in January 1975.

South Campus Center opened with its own Manager, who reported to the Vice President for Student Affairs, and an Advisory Board. In 1980 the administration of South Campus Center and the Husky Union Building were joined to form Student Union Facilities. Then in 1987 Student Union Facilities and Student Activities were joined to become Student Activities and Union Facilities.