Shovelers dig deep;
new and improved Union aims high

With shovels in hand, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay students, staff and friends Wednesday (March 21) commenced a project to convert the University Union into one that will meet the 21st-century needs of students. UW-Green Bay students, alumni, staff and administrators were among the shovelers at the groundbreaking ceremony. The groundbreaking took place after a brief program at Leona Cloud Commons. The $6.2 million expansion and renovation of the Union will promote greater student interaction, provide improved dining areas and consolidate campus retail operations. The project, to be completed in spring 2008, will remodel about 18,700 square feet and add 17,500 square feet of space to the Union.

University Union Director Rick Warpinski called the Union expansion and renovation a "long-awaited milestone" for UW-Green Bay.

Student Government Association President Trista Seubert said the Union project was made possible by the generosity of students, who provided most of the funding through student fees. Seubert is flanked by SGA Vice President Crystal Jushka and Bob Kranzusch, secretary of University Union and Dining.

A nice crowd was on hand at Cloud Commons to hear what's in store for the Union.

The first group of shovelers: (From left) Matt Rieckmann, Vice Chancellor Tom Maki, Ryan Smith, Bob Kranzusch, Trista Seubert, Crystal Jushka and Amber Delasky.

The first shovelers are all smiles as they pose for a photo.

The groundbreaking ceremony attracted plenty of attention from the news media. SGA President Seubert is interviewed by Laura Smith of Fox 11 News.

Phoenix Bookstore employees take their turn with the shovels. The effort of Sherry Lacenski draws the attention of Terry Kovarik of CBS 5 News. The Bookstore, now located on the plaza level of the Cofrin Library, will move to the expanded Union.

University Union staff get a little help from their friends at the groundbreaking. Taking the final turn with the shovels are (from left) Union Director Rick Warpinski, Building Services Coordinator Poppy Grant, Promotions and Marketing Manager Kelly Kramp, UW-Green Bay Alumni and Donor Relations Director Mark Brunette, and alumnus Dean Basten. Basten is chief financial officer for Miron Construction, the general contractor for the project.