The Union Movement

Dating back to the 19th century, the earliest college unions were student debating societies in English universities. From their orginial primary concentration on debate and discussion and on independence of student thought and action, these unions gradually evolved into large and comprehensive clubs geared to the dining, meeting, social, and recreational needs of students. This emerging concept began influencing American colleges toward the end of the 1800's, leading to the nation's first student union building at the University of Pennsylvania in 1896.

The growth rate of the college union movement, moderate but steady during the succeeding fifty year, accelerated dramatically in the 1950's and 1960's, with the result that student union buildings are now common to most colleges and universities in this country.

The Union at USF

The Marshall Student Center (originally called the University Center) was built in 1959 and opened in 1960. The University Center was one of the first five buildings that comprised the University of South Florida campus when the campus opened in 1960.

The early University Center contained the first women's residence hall (located on the fourth floor), academic and office areas of the College of Fine Arts, faculty offices with a typing station, cafeteria, post office with student mailboxes, bookstore, television room, game room and information desk. Classes were held in the basement and first floor until the first classroom buildings were completed.

Major renovations began in December 1988. Included in the renovation was the construction of the Special Events Center. Renovation was completed in February 1990.

The building was renamed the Marshall Student Center and formally dedicated March 3, 1994. In Spring, 1997, Exterior Renovations to the MLK Plaza were complete, including an outdoor patio for the Marshall Student Center.

The Directors

• Duane E. Lake was the University Center's first director and served from September 1960 until his death in June 1975.
• Phyllis P. Marshall served as director from August 1976 to her retirement in June 1994. After years of student lobbying, on March 3, 1994, the University Center was renamed the Marshall Student Center in her honor.
• Luis R. Visot served as Director from August, 1994, until August 1998.
• From August 1998 until December 1999, Laurie Woodward served as Interim Director of Student Activities and Neil Cohen served as interim Director of Center Operations.
• Guy Conway, the MC's current Director, began January 1, 2000.

Make Your Mark

Students and staff dreamed of a place where outside the University Center, they could meet and socialize and have a place to return to when they were alumni and visitors. The University Center’s Patio Project began years ago, with supporters purchasing bricks for such an outside area. As the years past by, the plans continued to be put on hold. Until today. A beautiful, canopy covered patio has been built on the southeast corner of the Marshall Student Center. The open air patio overlooks the fountains of MLK Plaza, and seats over 140. The most exciting part of this project involves our supporters. Beautiful brick pavers, with the names and special messages of those earlier supporters, are now lining the patio. And our supporters today will also have the chance to have their message appear on the brick pavers. An extra benefit is that this project also supports student programs and facilities. The patio will bring years of enjoyment to the campus and returning visitors. Purchasing a paver is an ideal way for you to leave your mark on campus.

Contact the Marshall Student Center Business Office, (813) 974-5403, for more information on purchasing your paver brick.