1950s
Campus life in the 50s was relatively calm, and that was reflected in the Union activities and programs sponsored by groups such as the Charm, Dance, Talent and Hospitality Committees. Beauty contests and style shows were in vogue, and the competitions were staged in the Union Ballroom. The Union was also the center of Round-Up activities each spring.
Throughout the decade, the critical need to add Union space was a major concern. Built for a small, centralized campus of 6,650 students, the Union had been overwelmed by the 10,000 additional students who came to campus following World War II. As enrollment continued to climb, students and staff worked to raise the Union fee to $5 to fund the construction of an addition. In 1956, their efforts were successful, and construction of a 76,000 square foot addition got underway. The addition opened in October, 1960.
Dancing at the Union
Texas Union Renovation