Hetzel Union Building to celebrate its 50th anniversary

Photo: Annemarie Mountz The Hetzel Union Building, now known as the HUB-Robeson Center, on Penn State's University Park campus will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. To mark the milestone, the HUB-Robeson Center has photographs and memorabilia on display in the Art Alley, shown here, and in the first-floor display cases.

University Park, Pa. -- The Hetzel Union Building, now known as the HUB-Robeson Center, on Penn State's University Park campus will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. On Tuesday, March 15, 50 years from the building's 1955 opening day, President Graham B. Spanier -- along with Vicky Triponey, vice president for Student Affairs, and Stanley Latta, director of Unions and Student Activities -- will kick off the weeklong observation at a noontime celebration in the ground floor eateries area of the HUB-Robeson Center. For photos of the displays, go to http://live.psu.edu/still_life/2005_03_14_HUB/index.html

Students, faculty and staff can join in singing "Happy Birthday" to the HUB, led by The Nittany Lion mascot and The Singing Lions, and then share in the showcase birthday cakes made especially for the occasion by the Penn State Bakery.

Friday, March 18, will feature a noontime concert by the Pennharmonics and the Dreamers on the first floor lounge of the HUB-Robeson Center.

LateNight-PennState will begin an hour earlier than usual, at 9 p.m., with the Swing Dance Club giving dance lessons and Local Motion DJs highlighting music from the past 50 years. The night will include something for everyone with student vocal groups, crafts, karaoke, a Hula Hoop contest and many other surprises, including free root beer floats and door prizes all night. Those stopping by should dress in the clothing of their favorite era.

The HUB Eateries (excluding Panda and Panda Sushi) will offer medium-size coffee, tea and soda, Monday through Friday for just 50 cents. On Tuesday, March 15, Union Street Burger Company will offer 50-cent hamburgers. Friday night's late-night special will be Sbarro's pizza for $1 a slice and all medium-size soda, coffee or tea for 50 cents.

A variety of items commemorating Penn State's 150-year celebration and the HUB's 50th anniversary also will be on display. Display cases are located on the first floor of the HUB-Robeson Center, and additional photos located in the Art Foyer.

There is a birthday present box located at the HUB-Robeson Center Information Desk for anyone who would like to make a birthday card. Card creations will be displayed March 15-18. For more information, contact Galen Chelko at (814) 863-8951 or gmc5@psu.edu.