2000s
As the Union enters the 21st century, traffic in the building continues at a high level; in fall 2002 operating hours were extended to 3:00 a.m. every night to accommodate more patrons.
The Union's programming structure is reorganized in 2000-01 as the Student Events Center (SEC) in order to reinvigorate and streamline the organization. The SEC comprises fifteen organizations dedicated to providing quality programs for the university community. In recognition of its superb track record for coordinating successful events, several high-profile programs are transferred to the SEC in 2005-06: 40 Acres Fest, the Orange & White Ball, Texas Revue, the Student Endowed Centennial Lectureship and the Texas Cowboys Centennial Lectureship.
A phased renovation of the interior spaces continues. The Santa Rita room is enlarged and completely refurbished in 2001. The Presidential Lounge, a high demand study area for students, is renovated during summer 2003 and updates are made to the Lone Star Room, the Eastwoods Room and the Sinclair Suite.
Work begins in fall 2002 to add portrait medallions of former university presidents to the twelve already in place in the Union's Presidential Lobby. For more information go to the Presidential Medallion Project.
In September 2005, the Texas Union Lectureship sponsored the public talk by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He addresses a full house of 12,500 in the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. A bodhi tree in the Presidential Lobby of The Texas Union commemorates his visit.
The
Texas Union Permanent Art Collection was established in 2006 to support
acquisitions of original art by recognized artists. Works from the Collection
are on display in the public areas of the Union.
photograph copyright Blake Justice
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
blessing the bodhi tree