USU Student Union photograph collection, 1946-1986

Until the 1950s, campus lacked a formal building for use by the student body. The Family Life Building, with a cafeteria and outdoor eating area, served as a social gathering place for the students. Other structures, such as the TUB (Temporary Union Building), were used from 1946 to 1952 while the Student Union Building was planned and built. On May 2, 1953, the first wing of the building was dedicated and opened for student use, with the second wing being completed nearly ten years later in December of 1964. From the 1950s to the 1970s, the building was referred to as the Union Center. Around 1980, the name of the building was changed to the Taggart Student Center after Glen L. Taggart, 11th President of the University. For continuity's sake, the building will be referred to as the "Student Union Building." Evan Stevensen oversaw the design and construction of the center.