In 1950, a new building rose at the University of Oregon, distinguished by the curvilinear design of a prominent glass wall.
Seventy-five years later, the Fishbowl — and the Erb Memorial Union which includes this cafeteria — make for an iconic student union at the center of the Eugene campus.
The 75th anniversary of the EMU will be celebrated this fall with events that honor its past, celebrate its support of student success and bring UO groups together, including staff, alumni and the broader community. Activities include:
- Homecoming celebration for the EMU’s 75th anniversary: Open to the UO community and the general public, this Oct. 24 event in the Redwood Auditorium honors past EMU board members and university alumni. The celebration includes a tour of the EMU after the 3:30 p.m. pep rally on the EMU Green. Attendees can pick up exclusive game day swag for Saturday’s game against Wisconsin and cheer on the team; tickets cost $20 for dinner or $100 for dinner and game. The evening begins with appetizers at 6 p.m. and dinner from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participants are invited to help preserve the facility’s legacy by sharing their EMU story. Interviews will be recorded and submitted to the UO library as part of the living history of the EMU and the university.
- “Create Your Own Adventure” experience: The EMU’s student organizations, tenants and programs are hosting dozens of events from Oct. 24 through Nov. 20 to honor the facility’s history while looking ahead to the future of student engagement. Events include button making, scavenger hunts, trivia at Bartolotti’s Pizza Bistro, giant chess games, recording stories with KWVA, “history of the ASUO” gallery walks, swag giveaways, a hike down memory lane with the Outdoor Program, scratch-art masks and more. All activities are featured in a university-wide calendar for students to explore.
- Carillon bells and cupcakes: The EMU’s 75th will be commemorated at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 3 on the EMU Green—swing by and grab one of 75 cupcakes and listen as the carillon bells play happy birthday.
- EMU 75th Anniversary Reception: Nov. 4, 6 p.m., Adell McMillan Gallery. In celebration of the EMU’s 75 years, the gallery is hosting an exhibit from Oct. 28 to Dec. 12 that showcases the history of the student union and the UO through pictures, posters and storytelling.
- Friends of the EMU: Wrapping up the 75th anniversary celebration and honoring the people who make the EMU what it is, this event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Crater Lake Room and surrounding area. This gathering for EMU staff, UO partners, past employees, retirees, their families and friends of the EMU features appetizers and beverages from UO Catering. EMU director Eric Alexander and the Duck will attend. Participants are again invited to share their EMU story to help preserve the facility’s legacy. Interviews will be recorded and submitted to the UO library as part of the living history of the EMU and the university.
The events shine a spotlight on a student union the design of which has distinguished it among such facilities since its opening in 1950.
Students began advocating for a student union in 1923 but funding issues, changes in leadership and two world wars delayed the design and construction. The building was named for UO president Donald Erb, who served from 1938 until his death in 1943, at age 43. It also commemorated students who served in the Armed Forces.
The decades that followed brought a host of additions and improvements in support of students and their success at the UO. Among them: Moss Street Children’s Center (1970); renovation of the Fishbowl (1980); KWVA Radio (1991); Many Nations Flag Project (2014); and Esports (2018).
From 2014 to 2016, the EMU underwent a $99 million renovation and construction project that included the replacement of the east wing, improvements that ensure full accessibility, remodeling of the original building, updated HVAC systems, reimagined food service areas and the establishment of the EMU Green east of the facility.
“The EMU has gone through lots of change over 75 years,” Alexander said. “But one thing has remained constant: our commitment to serving students and their success.”
—Matt Cooper, University Communications