Ribbon cutting ceremony for Atherton Union

Description:	The grand opening of Atherton Union was held on Friday, August 27, 1993. Student Government Association President Alex Locker (Class of 1994) stands at the lectern near a door to the new addition to the building, while two unknown people stand on either side of Hink, a Butler University mascot, who is holding giant Butler monogramed scissors. Both Locker and Hink arrived at the building in a limousine in order to cut the ribbon and dedicate the newly expanded building. The festivities lasted from 5 p.m. until midnight and included a dinner, live music, door prizes, raffles, and other events held throughout the building. Designed by the architectural firm of McGuire and Shook, this building was originally named the John Whistler Atherton Center, in honor of John W. Atherton (Class of 1900), who served for 26 years as the secretary-treasurer for the University. However, four decades later, the administration of Butler University felt the building was not being used to its true potential. A group of students, faculty, board of trustee members, administrators, and parents were tasked with making recommendations for improvements to the building. Architect Jonathan Hess of Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf, Inc. designed the updates to the building, including a 24,000 square-foot addition at the southern end, which is shown in this photograph. University administrators felt this work would transform the space into what they considered to be a true student union, a gathering place, and a hub of activity for all students. Elevators and lifts were added to make the building accessible; an information center, a flexible lounge and entertainment space, a billiard room, and an exercise area were added; and air conditioning was installed in the building, which was renamed Atherton Union.
Origin:	1993-08-27
Source:	http://palni.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/BldgsGrnds/id/1737
Collection:	Butler University Buildings and Grounds Collection
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/
Copyright:	In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
Geography:	Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, 39.837057, -86.171925 39.837057 -86.171925
Subjects:	Student unions College students Scissors and sheers Ribbons Balloons Butler University--Mascots School mascots Microphone Doors Doorways Arches Butler University--Buildings College buildings Butler University--History Indianapolis (Ind.)--History Hink Lecterns Locker, Alex People John Whistler Atherton Center Atherton Union Hess, Jonathan Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf, Inc. Fairview campus

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