Traditions Lounge to highlight MU history
The space will open with Phase II of the student center.
Published Feb. 23, 2010
As construction continues on Phase II of the student center, students and alumni are getting a glance at some of the new features and areas that will be available to students next year, such as the Traditions Lounge.
A space designed for students and alumni, the Traditions Lounge will be a focal point of the student center, showcasing the most memorable and defining aspects of MU's history.
"You have a brand new building meant to be the center of student life on campus," Student Auxiliary Services spokeswoman Michelle Froese said. "How do you make it feel like home to students and alumni?"
Connected by a bridge over what will be a student lounge area, the Traditions and Leadership lounges will provide students places to study, relax or socialize, Froese said.
"It seemed natural to celebrate our traditions across from a nearly identical social space that recognizes the role of student involvement and leadership at MU," Student Affairs Assistant Vice Chancellor Jeff Zeilenga said.
One of four lounges featured in the student center, the Traditions Lounge will focus on some of the most popular MU traditions from the late 19th century to present day.
Paralleling MU's six columns, Froese said the lounge will showcase six MU traditions, including the Francis Quandrangle, Homecoming, Memorial Union, Tiger Walk and painting the "M" on Faurot Field.
Although still undecided, Froese said the sixth tradition would be something very unique to campus.
"The sixth tradition will most likely be something called 'Uniquely Mizzou' and will reflect distinctive aspects of our history," Zeilenga said.
In 2004, Froese and Zeilenga conducted an informal online survey among faculty, students and alumni to find what MU traditions were most important to them. Based on those findings, as well as meetings with the Alumni Association, the group was able to finalize five of the six featured traditions.
"We've been working directly with the Alumni Association," Student Unions Assistant Director Joe Hayes said. "With input from students, faculty and alumni, we've tried to tie all that history into the space."
The Traditions Lounge will also make use of black and white photos of the university and will feature a fireplace in the center of the lounge space. On either side of the fireplace will be the six most prominent MU traditions, as well as museum grade fixtures displaying artifacts from the university archives. In addition there will be a space for lesser-known traditions.
"It will be a place that students can socialize or study and immerse themselves in MU's history," Hayes said. "They will be able to read about Mizzou traditions on the walls and maybe learn something new."
Scheduled for completion with the rest of Phase II, the Traditions Lounge will be open to students January 2011.
"This entire facility, first and foremost, is for our current MU students," Zeilenga said. "I believe students will find exciting Mizzou themes throughout the student center."
