From the Chair

This was a fantastic year for the University Student Union (USU) and USU Board of Directors. It began with a bang with the openings of the Veterans Resource Center and the Pride Center. These resource centers effectively supported their intended communities as well as the CSUN community at large with themed lounges and events that provided a supportive and entertaining environment for Matadors to interact and express their individuality.

Another highlight was the new expanded Computer Lab that was heavily utilized this year. A popular feature is its advanced PrintAnywhere service, which gives CSUN students the convenience of free wireless printing through the Web.

A continuing point of pride for the USU was the continued success of the Student Recreation Center (SRC), which won 10 design and sustainability awards, including the 2013 AIA Education Facility Design Award. Its new turf field, which opened in the spring, is an excellent addition to the SRC and Union. Students frequently used these spaces for personal recreation and intramural sports.

What an incredible year! It was my pleasure to serve the CSUN community.

Sabrina Lockey
Chair, Board of Directors

From the Vice Chair

Throughout the 2012 – 13 academic school year, the University Student Union (USU) was extremely successful in assessing and meeting the needs of students.

In just one year, the Student Recreation Center (SRC) changed the dynamic of the institution; the culture of fitness was embraced and students made the SRC a prestigious landmark on campus, alongside the new turf field. More than 65 percent of CSUN Matadors were enrolled in the SRC.

Members of the Board of Directors were exemplary servant leaders. They worked diligently with the staff and students to reach corporate goals.

The opening of the Pride Center and Veterans Resource Center (VRC) were two of the greatest achievements of the year. These centers provided peer education, mentors and other resources. Students frequently visited both centers while becoming allies and learning more about these communities.

I was definitely blessed to be a part of such a great Board.

Demontae Thompson
Vice Chair, Board of Directors

From the Executive Director

“No matter how far in or out of the closet you are, you still have a next step.” — Unknown

The University Student Union took profound next steps in 2012 – 2013 with the openings of two resource centers created for growing populations — former members of the U.S. armed forces and the LGTBQ community.

The year began with University Student Union (USU) proudly joining the country in honoring the men and women who serve in our military. As students returned to campus, they discovered a gathering place for veteran students, reservists and dependents that, according to its mission statement, was created to “…assist student veterans at CSUN in the transition from service member to student.”

Several weeks later, CSUN showed its support for the community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning students, faculty and staff with the creation of the Pride Center. Since its September grand opening, it has become the destination of valuable resources to those that seek its services.

The USU’s desire is for both centers, through programming, outreach, and peer education, to improve the campus climate for veterans and LGBTQ individuals and advocate for the successful completion of their educational goals.

It took loyal and hard-working groups of people — both inside and outside of each community — months of strategic work to make the centers a reality. Current and former students, faculty, administrators, staff, and community activists lent their voices and their efforts; it was true collaboration that made all of it possible.

We invite you now to take a closer look at both gathering spaces that highlighted the incredible work that was achieved by the USU this year.

Debra L. Hammond
Executive Director