The Eighties
(1980-1989)
After years of dedication to the students and community, the Union was recognized by The New York Times as one of the top five student unions in America. To serve students was the main mission of the Union; from providing art and entertainment, an inviting and quiet study atmosphere, to a gathering social hot spot for friends, the Union was the place to be. The first glass sculpture by K-State professor Mitsugi Ohno was put on display. The "Bads Film Festival," showcasing the seven worst films of all time, attracted a large crowd. Some films included "Beach Blanket Bingo," "Plan Nine from Outer Space" and "They Saved Hitler's Brain." Students enjoyed some great entertainment in the 1980s including Chicago, Starship, Lee Greenwood, Ronnie Milsap and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The Union's fourth director, Jack Sills, was hired in February 1988 and he would lead the "host to the campus" into the 1990s where students would remain the Union's number one priority.
Highlights
- Bad Films Festival debuted
- Lee Greenwood performed
- Chicago performed
- OPUS Band Competition was born
- Sills named fourth director
| Fall 1980 | Bill Woodward bowled the first 300 game in the Union. |
| April 1986 | The New York Times recognized the K-State Student Union as one of the top five student unions in America. |
| Fall 1986 | The first OPUS Band Competition was held. |
| February 1988 | Jack L. Sills became the fourth director of the K-State Student Union. |
| 1988 | The Union introduced the Wildcat Card, a debit card. |
| 1989 | Meters were added to the Union parking lot. The Union Express Shuttle also began. |