April 29, 2003

Contact: David Johnston, KU Memorial Unions, (785) 864-2445.

Kansas Union to dedicate renovation and addition April 30

LAWRENCE -- The phase III renovation of the Kansas Union at the University of Kansas officially will come to an end at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, when union and university officials will cut construction tape at a dedication ceremony. The event will take place at the Hawks Nest, located on Level 1 of the union. The event is open to the public.

The program will feature a welcome by union director David Mucci and remarks from Chancellor Robert E. Hemenway, Student Body President Andy Knopp, Interim Vice Provost for Student Support Mary Lee Hummert and Memorial Corporation President Kate Harding. A reception will follow.

The seven-year, $6.3 million renovation project was conceived and funded by students wishing to add space for student organizations while enhancing other areas of the union. The result provides nearly twice as much space for student offices and offers improved services for students, faculty and staff.

The most notable change is the relocation of the main stairs, now centrally located within the building. Dubbed the "traditions tower," the stairwell features floor-to-ceiling windows offering wonderful views of campus, as well as student leadership plaques and faculty and staff awards.

Included among renovation highlights is the covered bridge connecting the union to the Mississippi Street Parking Garage. The walkway provides improved access to shopping and services for visitors. Other highlights include new spaces such as the Hawks Nest, a lounge/performance area, and Oread Books, the new home for what was formerly known as the Mount Oread Bookshop.

The dedication event falls on the 77th anniversary of the original laying of the Kansas Union cornerstone, which took place April 30, 1926.