University Student Union, Inc. | Annual Report 2011-2012

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Awad
Chair, Board of Directors
Lizzie Awad

From the Chair

The University Student Union (USU) has truly exceeded many students’ expectations within this past school year.

The Student Recreation Center had its Grand Opening at the end of January and quickly became a part of many Matadors’ lives. A vast majority of students have taken advantage of this impeccable facility and in return, are developing a healthier lifestyle.

The Board of Directors did an outstanding job this year regarding making hard decisions that needed much research and questioning. Each board member was committed to being a servant leader, which is what we can only ask for in a strong board. Two decisions supported by the board was the creation of a Pride Center and Veterans Resource Center in the fall of 2012 to impact both communities of students through peer education, connection and resources.

It has been my sincere pleasure to serve the CSUN community.

Zach Roof
Vice Chair, Board of Directors

From the Vice Chair

The University Student Union (USU) has always captivated me. Its energy, warmth and altruistic qualities were evident to me when I began my journey at the USU in the fall of 2010. During the 2011–2012 term, these qualities were clearly maximized when on January 26, 2012, we successfully opened the Student Recreation Center (SRC) and the California State University, Northridge (CSUN) campus was forever changed.

To me, true education includes the mind, body and soul. While CSUN already provides excellent education for our minds, the SRC provides education for our bodies. Furthermore, over the 2011–2012 term, the USU worked on the concept of the creation of a Wellness Center. This center would emphasize a holistic approach to health while allowing students an alternate place to release stress. In other words, the USU hopes one day to provide a new space for education of the soul.

For these reasons, I’m so honored to be a part of the USU.

Debra L. Hammond
Executive Director

From the Executive Director

“Exercise should be regarded as a tribute to the heart.” — Gene Tunney (1897 – 1978) — American boxer and World Heavyweight Champion (1926 – 1928) who twice defeated Jack Dempsey.

We at the University Student Union (USU) feel the same way. That is why the heart of this year’s annual report is a tribute to our efforts to encourage the campus community to increase fitness and decrease stress levels through the newest campus venue — the Student Recreation Center.

In January, the USU opened the campus’s first comprehensive recreation center. It stands as a three-story, 138,000 square-foot tribute to a collaborative university effort to bring state-of-the-art sport, play and relaxation programs to a competitive academic environment. Featuring 118,000 square feet of space that houses a climbing wall, basketball courts, studios, a child care area, an indoor running track, and extensive cardio and weight equipment, its outside and adjacent area includes a 20,000 square-foot pool and deck area.

The $60 million facility was approved in 2007 by a student referendum for the purpose of promoting health and wellness. It also serves as a gathering place for community building that we believe will aid in the retention of students through graduation.

According to a study published in 2006 that surveyed 300 college students about stress, 23% reported that their efforts to juggle school and work compounded the stress levels in their lives. Of this group, 25% reported turning to exercise.

This annual report salutes the visions and pathways that expanded the footprint and purpose of this great university with the Student Recreation Center. Affectionately referred to as the SRC, we invite you along the journey of this magnificent structure and sample the myriad ways that our students were buoyed by the leadership, training, programs and services provided by the USU.

Mission Statement

After more than 20 years, the mission statement was revamped to reflect the new intentions and purposes of the student union, which include the January 2012 opening of the Student Recreation Center and the fall 2012 openings of the Pride Center, the Veterans Resource Center, and the Computer Lab. Its framework was designed as a “lighthouse” to guide future boards as they make decisions and shape the direction of the USU.