Illinois State University leadership, staff, and students gathered on Friday, August 25, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Bone Student Center (BSC).
“This building opened on this day, 50 years ago, on August 25, 1973,” said Interim President Dr. Aondover Tarhule during a celebratory breakfast. “At the time it was called the Union and Auditorium. Today, we celebrate the impact the Bone Student Center has on not only the student population but also the faculty, staff, community, and alumni who utilize this space. While the spaces we are in have evolved over the years, the positive impact the Bone Student Center has on the campus and community has remained the same.”
Over the years, the Bone Student Center has undergone a name change, various building occupants, and most recently—a major revitalization. The Bone Student Center Revitalization project beautified many areas in and around the Bone, brought in a number of new dining options, and incorporated student-facing units including Career Services, the Dean of Students’ Student Involvement Center, and Admissions.
“You have probably heard people say that the Bone Student Center is like the living room of our campus. And I think that’s an appropriate description,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Levester Johnson. “A living room is where you put your feet up. It’s where you sit to read, have a conversation, or even where you sit down to eat. In the case of our living room here, it’s also where you go to listen to Prince, or Bob Dylan, or Aretha Franklin. For any younger folks in the audience, I suppose the living room is where you listen to Yung Gravy. Whoever that is!”
While many things have changed over the past 50 years, the building remains a student-focused space. Part of Friday’s celebrations included free swag items for students, including a Fear the Bird pillow and an Illinois State coloring book, a free magic show Friday evening, and cupcakes to sweeten the day.
Barb Dallinger ’81, M.S. ’01, was also honored as part of the 50th celebration with a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting for the Barb Dallinger Crew Room. The crew room is a space for production and operations students to spend time on their breaks, during shows, and throughout the day. Dallinger’s generous donation aided in remodeling the space to include new seating, an updated bathroom, and new lockers.
“If you were to ask Barb what her greatest joy was in her time working at ISU, she would tell you it was working with students,” said Dr. Danielle Miller-Schuster, associate vice president for student affairs. “Barb’s passion for working with students is unmatched. Her everlasting dedication to the growth and support of students is what people who worked with her continue to look back on with appreciation and love. Barb embodies the Redbird spirit.”
When asked about the crew room dedication, Dallinger said, “It’s very surreal.”
“It was very important to me that the student space was renovated, as opposed to the green room or the public spaces,” Dallinger continued. “We have so many successful students that have come out of our production area, and I want the students here now to know that you could do this. This could be your job forever.”
Miller-Schuster reflected on the “incredible amount of history” that has taken place in the Bone Student Center—from hosting campus visit days to alumni events throughout the decades.
“The history and events that have taken place here and the people who occupy it on a daily basis make it a home away from home for so many on campus,” she said. “The Redbird spirit that bleeds through every portion of the Bone Student Center makes it a truly magical place to be.”
