UNT community celebrates 62nd annual UnionFest

By Brianne Tolj / Contributing Writer –

Colorful balloons and streamers glittered throughout the University Union during the 62nd Annual UnionFest on Wednesday.

Students weaved through the bright decorations and crowds, visiting numerous tables offering free food, drinks and games and prizes.

The celebration filled the lower floors of the Union from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., inviting students to enjoy a variety of activities between classes.

“This is just another way we want to say thank you for using the Union and coming to our programs and letting us put on these services,” Stefanie Ritz, Union marketing coordinator, said. “Part of our mission is that we’re here for the students.”

The Union staff hosted the event, bringing all of the Union’s various resources and services together.

The estimated 18,000 to 19,000 students passing through the Union were presented with free food such as popcorn, chocolate and vegetables, and companies like Monster and Coke were invited to hand out drinks.

Activities

Students had their choice of activities, such as having their faces painted or posing for a cartoonist with friends. They could also have their favorite animal made into balloon art and participate in a novelty giveaway.

“It’s a nice opportunity for college students,” said Cali Cooper, a fashion design sophomore, while browsing tables with friends.

UnionFest was great entertainment for students, said Stefanie Turner, a history senior and event worker.

“It’s a great way just to open the entire Union for a lot of students,” Turner said. “It’s an opportunity to meet other students and get some free food.”

Cake Ceremony

In the center of the Union Courtyard sat a 12-by-12 foot white cake trimmed with green. The school-spirited cake, created by vendor Ben E. Keith, was large enough to feed 2,000 people.

The cake was served after a Cake Ceremony at 2 p.m., but students were waiting in line for a piece as early as 1:30 p.m.

Before the ceremony, Tom Rufer, assistant vice president for auxiliary services, thanked the UNT community that came to the Union every day.

After Rufer’s brief speech, “happy anniversary” rang out from the crowd and the cake cutting began.

Community

The Union is the community center of the campus, Design Works manager Carol Wilkinson Ritz said.

“It’s one place where all the students can come together,” she said. “Not just students from one particular college or one particular interest. It’s a place that offers so much for a variety of people.”

About 17,000 students visit the Union daily, and as a result, Ritz said he staff tries to offer their best service.

Going to the Union between classes is a “refreshing break in the day and a chance to interact,” said Stephanie Warren, a communications sophomore.

Plans for a new Union

In the last six months, the Union staff created a master plan involving surveys and focus groups in an effort to expand their services, Ritz said.

Consultants talked to students to find out what they wanted in a new Union.

“Our Union is fairly small,” Ritz said. “We’re lacking quite a bit of space per student.”

After gathering information, the staff encountered more questions that needed to be answered, such as how it would be funded, before any design could begin. Other issues and service projects need to be addressed first and upgrades to the Union will continue, Ritz said.

Because of these obstacles, a new union may not happen for another five years, she said.

Students suggested many additions to a new Union, including more spaces to study, quiet lounges, more programming space, places where they can practice music and expanded food service options.