Students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered on Tuesday afternoon for the ‘Lighting the Lantern ceremony’ to welcome the new Yellowjacket Union to the University of Wisconsin - Superior campus.

Approximately 150 people gathered in the atrium of the YU to honor the first new building on campus since the opening of the Health and Wellness Center in 2003.

The YU is said to be the ’lantern of student life’ because of its spacious, inviting interior and bright spaces lit by daylight.   The ceremony began promptly at 4:00 PM with speakers including Student Body President Logan Campa, Chancellor Julius Erlenbach and Principal Architect Jan van den Kieboom.

Campa welcomed the crowd then introduced Chancellor Erlenbach.

Although the sun hadn’t peeked from the clouds all day, Erlenbach acknowledged that it was “another beautiful day in the city of Superior.”

Erlenbach called the new building a “major addition” to the UW-Superior campus and stated that next year the campus will open the new Swenson Academic Building. Erlenbach went on to say, “Progress has become an enjoyable habit at UW-Superior.”

He then thanked a number of individuals for their help in making the building come to life. Finally, he saluted students for voting in 2004 to increase tuition to help pay for the building. He also thanked current students for their input and support.

Principal Architect Jan van den Kieboom said the building celebrated three things: intimacy with the community; a deep connection to the environment; and the Great Lakes. He emphasized that the YU is a place for the campus community to gather together thus the large open spaces throughout the building. Kieboom also enlightened the audience to the fact that the over 75% of the building lets in natural daylight.

He concluded by sharing a story about a family game in which each person expands on an ever-growing story making it better as they go. He linked this story by stating, “this is the start of a new story and students must make it their own story. When we come back in ten, twenty or even fifty years later, this place will be more fantastic than any of us could imagine.”

Alumna and former Student Body Vice President Kim Store spoke briefly and recollected how she personally worked to make the dream of a new student center a reality.

“This reality was not easy,” said Store.

She remembered how the referendum was initially voted down by the Student Senate but that it was important enough for a second vote. Store later served on the planning committee for the building. She recalled how “the architect really took student’s wants and needs to heart.”  

Chair of the Yellowjacket Union Policy Board Jordan Appicelli said that she’d been on “pins and needles” awaiting the opening of the building. She called the building a “holistic, sensory experience” with “open and vibrant light.”  Once Appicelli concluded, the dim building lit up as fireplaces and lights turned on.

To conclude the ceremony, Personnel Coordinator of the Yellowjacket Activities Crew (YAC) Becky Williams approached the podium clad in a bright green shirt. She stated that YAC was responsible for bringing such entertainment as musicians, magicians and movie nights. Williams said they now had a “vibrant energetic space; making all shows an unforgettable experience.” Williams then instructed members of YAC (also wearing bright green shirts) aligned along the grand staircase to cut the yellow ribbon they held.

The crowd was then invited by Campa to the Great Room on the second floor to enjoy free refreshments provided by the campus caterer, Aviands.

This is the first semester that the Yellowjacket Union will replace the Rothwell Student Center. The RSC still remains intact but the fifty-plus year old building has been closed since late December.

With the closing of 2009 came the closing of the Rothwell Student Center, but a new year means new beginnings.  On January 19, the Yellowjacket Union hosted the “Lighting of the Lantern,” a kick-off event of the newly built student center.  Many students had different opinions on the new building, but mostly positive and upbeat words were spoken.

“It is definitely more modern and more environmentally friendly and a lot more open,” said December graduate Nicole McCorison.

Julia Rickert, who is a sophomore and going into elementary education had some input on the new building.  “In a world that people are getting taller, things should be higher up.  I have to get used to it; I will grow to appreciate it, but it is almost too big,” she said.

In unison, Tony Abbott, a junior studying theater, and Jenna Kozlovich, a nursing major, both stated that, “It’s pretty decent!”
Kozlovich added, “It’s big and open.”

“I like how open, yet cozy it is, it is easy to navigate and well lit,” Josh Iverson, a returning sophomore said.

Kristin Bruner, a psychology major and sophomore commented on how spacious the YU is.  “It has more comfy seating, a new pool table,” she said.

Andrew Suralski, a mass communication major and sophomore said he, “liked all the places to sit down, but that he is still warming up to the place.”

Tim Rogentine, an international business major and junior had a lot to say about the YU.  “One thing I have noticed is that it has drawn people out of the library so you can study in quiet.  You can see everything here.  The colors of the place make it more positive to go to,” said Rogentine.