INFORMATION FOR
Opening in September 1974, after 5 years of planning and construction, the Student Center became the hub of campus life and “a place for everyone,” replacing the Coach House that served as the previous Student Center. The original building featured an Information Desk and sweet shop, Campus Bookstore, Ballroom, Print Shop, Dark Rooms, a Cafeteria, and office/lounge spaces. The new Student Center served as a focal point for all student organizations to gather and the main hangouts included the Game Room and Billy Pat's Pub.
By 1984, the Student Center began to see some changes to continue to meet the needs of students. The Arts Lounge was created to display artwork and host poetry readings, and the Performing Arts Lounge was created to host live jazz, films, and other forms of entertainment. The Game Room jumped on the video game craze, replacing pinball machines with video games while maintaining the billiards tables.
In recognition of a generous gift from the Machuga foundation, the Student Center was renamed the John Victor Machuga Student Center in 1999.
A lengthy renovation started in 2003 and was completed in September 2007. This renovation included updates to the building façade, the addition of the food court, and add an entire wing for new offices. Much to the dismay of current students and alumni, Billy Pat’s Pub closed around 2004 to make way for the new food court, however we honor the memory of the Pub with a plaque in the Paterson Food Court. A Beacon Newspaper article covering the opening of the renovated Student Center highlights the exciting addition of Wi-Fi access points and flat screen TVs around the building!
As part of the 2007 renovation, the “bridge” was built to connect the Student Center with the Ballroom Building and Speert Hall and the complex was named the University Commons. Today, the University Commons is home to 10 office suites, 10+ meeting spaces, 3 cultural centers, 2 dining locations, the Student Government Association, a Community Policing Post, 12 lounge spaces, and the original Arcade.
In 2024, we celebrate 50 years of the Student Center! Hosting 60+ events a week and welcoming 20,000+ visitors a week during the semester, the University Commons continues to be the heart of campus and serves as the focal point for social, cultural, and dining/entertainment activities for the entire campus community!
The front entrance of the Student Center, 1974.
The back entrance of the Student Center, 1977.
Billy Pat's Pub Sign, 1980.
Pinball in the Game Room, 1970s.
