SUB I Opens - 1974

Story and Photos Provided By Robert Vay, Special Collections & Archives, University Libraries

Though today it is overshadowed by its younger sibling, the Johnson Center, Student Union Building I (or SUB I as many of us call it) was once the center of activity on campus. The University Union, later named the Student Union (and even later named Student Union Building I when Student Union Building II was finished in 1982) opened thirty-four years ago this week in 1974.

When it opened on March 11, SUB I played a much bigger role back in the day when All in the Family, Good Times and Hawaii Five-O were popular shows on television and Mason had about 6,000 students.

The building soon housed most of the student related activities on campus, such as Dining Services and the Bookstore - both of which were previously located in South (now known as Krug) Hall. Other amenities at the time included: a game room on the first level with billiards, ping pong and pinball; a music room with headphones and turntables on which to play records; a television room and card-playing room; and the current student lounge in the center atrium.

The second floor housed the Financial Aid, Placement, and the Student Government offices. Still other amenities included a 150-seat conference room and darkroom for photography.