Bernard Pitts, former K-State Student Union Executive Director

As the Union Executive Director, Pitts provided the oversight for the 1998-2000 student referendum enhancement and renovation project. The project created a user-friendly new look, feel, and contemporary design to the Union. Program venues and conference/meeting spaces were refreshed, as well as major infrastructure upgrades, modernized restrooms and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements.

The revised bookstore footprint and the new service areas added to the Union during the renovation provided many new services and programs for Union patrons. Improvements ranged from a food court featuring major national branded concepts; a computer store specializing in Apple products; coffee shop; convenience store; full service branch bank; campus radio studio; Multicultural Student Organizations and Fraternity and Sorority Life office spaces; embellished art gallery; to the revitalization of the recreation/bowling center.

The Union also extended outreach services and programs to other parts of campus and the community. Pitts’ vision also included establishing the Little Apple Jazz Festival, the Union Governing Board (UGB) part-time student scholarship, Union staff recognition award program, a robust Union Program Council (UPC) calendar of events, the Vision Award program, the Friends of the Union foundation and meeting rooms that featured ethnic themes that recognized Kansas and K-State artists.

As the Assistant Vice President of Student Life, Pitts provided support to Kansas State University's Center for Child Development and the Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex. Both entities have had or are currently going through new and renovation building construction.

The vision award identifies and extends our sincere appreciation to the individuals in the history of the K-State Student Union whose efforts, commitment, influence and dreams energized the growth and service of our student union.