State of the Union

I did not know another student when I came to IU.

Within a week on campus, I joined Union Board, an organization entirely student-driven. Within a month, I got to speak with the former Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Barak, when he gave a talk on campus in 2006. My story is not unique in the Union Board office. 

I may soon forget when I ran to turn in my class assignment, but I will never forget receiving a call from NBC Studios in New York inquiring about a lecturer on campus.

 I will also never forget the friendships created during my experience. These stories will define my IU experience, along with the experiences of many Union Board members.

This year Union Board is celebrating 100 years on campus. Union Board was founded in 1909 by undergraduate John Whittenberger, hoping to unify a fragmented campus through providing opportunities for shared experiences through common space and events. As IU expands and options for involvement multiply, this unifying vision is even more important today.  

Union Board is the epitome of student involvement and advocacy on campus. We are the largest programming body at IU and the governing body for the Indiana Memorial Union.

Whether students want an internationally known speaker to address campus, a Starbucks to be added in the Union, a popular band to play in the IU Auditorium or more computer lab access, Union Board serves as another avenue for students’ voices on campus. Union Board is committed to ensuring students always have a place on campus to gather, in addition to our programming.

Our events electrify campus year after year. Maya Angelou, Wilco, Flight of the Conchords, local music with Live From Bloomington, Brazilian Experience, IU College Comedy Festival, Hoosier Sweetheart, Cultural Excursion Atlanta road trip, the student arts magazine Canvas and the Union Board films series are just a sampling of our diverse events.

We constantly work to ensure the Union remains student-focused and campus administrators understand the need for a supported student Union. This is evidenced by our commitment to expand opportunities for student space in the Union, as the campus undergoes its master planning process.

Union Board is also excited to work with Residential Programs and Services this year in an effort to incorporate a meal points plan in the Union. 

A century later, Whittenberger’s dream lives on. It is imperative students remain informed and interested in the issues which affect their daily lives. Anything is possible through involvement with Union Board, but we need you, the student body, in here letting us know what you want.

If you are interested in joining Union Board, have an event idea or you would like to see changes in the Union, contact me. 

Going to college is more than arriving to class on time. It is creating experiences, learning invaluable lessons and making friendships that will last a lifetime.

Union Board has been central to student life on campus. The 2009 Union Board of Directors is excited to continue this legacy.