BY NICHOLE ODEN

TIGER TV ONLINE REPORTER

After years of construction, phase one of the Student Union is finally completed and on Wednesday students and faculty gathered to celebrate the new union.

To celebrate phase one finally being completed the union had a ribbon cutting ceremony in the new lounge on the bottom floor. There was food, cake and live music.

The ceremony began with Shirley Plakidas, director of the Student Union, thanking all of the people that helped with construction. A team made up from three different architect companies and a team of interior designers all helped with the union construction.

“This has been a team effort from the get go,” Plakidas said. “It’s become a labor of love for many people.”

Then Chancellor Mike Martin announced it was time to cut the ribbon and unveil the name of the new lounge. Eric Monday, Stuart Watkins, Eric Lombell and the chancellor all cut the ribbon and then Martin announced the lounge would be named “The Live Oak Lounge.” This name was chosen from names students entered for the “name that space” contest.

“I like the new name but it could be ‘spiffier,'” said Kate Mayne, a sculpture junior.

Plakidas said that phase one includes The Live Oak Lounge, McDonalds, Einstein Brother Bagels, the lounge on the second floor and the offices for Campus Life, Greek Life and student organizations located on the third and fourth floors.

The union began construction on September 28, 2006. Plakida said it took so long because there were so many obstacles to overcome.

One of the major obstacles was the fact that the Student Union stayed open the entire time construction was underway. It was difficult to find a construction company willing to work while students were still using the Student Union.

Another issue was the lack of space they had to store materials. Plakida said there was only one parking lot for all the construction vehicles and for materials.

“We’ve waited awhile but it was worth the wait,” said Stuart Watkins, Student Government president.

Martin said the union has always been central to the campus and the student experience.

“This is the heart of student life on campus and that heart is only getting stronger with the opening of this new lounge,” Martin said.

Watkins said he loves the new lounge and thinks it’s going to be a great place for students to get together.

“It’s become a home for students,” Watkins said. “It’s a great place for students to take a break from their everyday lives.”