Bowen-Thompson Student Union
Bowen-Thompson Student Union
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Many Worlds. Many Dreams. One Place.
The place is Bowling Green State University’s new $34 million Bowen-Thompson Student Union. And it’s the place to be on April 27, when the union will be formally dedicated.
Among those participating in the ceremonies will be BGSU alumnus Tim Conway, who will demonstrate his comedic talents, and Cleveland television newscaster Leon Bibb, a member of the BGSU Board of Trustees, who will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies.
 BGSU Alumnus Tim Conway |
Conway, a 1956 BGSU graduate, is one of the University’s most celebrated stars. During an illustrious career spanning more than 40 years, he has won five Emmy Awards for excellence in television. He got his amateur start as a radio personality with BGSU colleague Dick Moss. The comedy duo performed on WWBG’s “Sunny Side Up” broadcast weekday mornings in the old Falcon’s Nest, the forerunner to today’s student union.
Using the theme “Many Worlds. Many Dreams. One Place” to illustrate the role the union has in campus life, the dedication ceremonies will start at 6:30 p.m. The evening will spotlight the diverse talents of current BGSU students and faculty involved in the fine and performing arts as well as showcase the union’s fine cuisine.
There also will be casino games reminiscent of the Mardi Gras celebrations held for years in the old University Union, and dancing in the Lenhart Grand Ballroom to the sounds of the Homewreckers.
 Leon Bibb |
The Saturday night dedication is part of a weekend of special activities. Student-planned activities, including a spring comedy festival, will take place on Friday, April 26, and a community family day, which is free and open to the public, will be offered on Sunday, April 28.
More details about the weekend activities and reservations to attend the dedication can be obtained by contacting BGSU’s Office of Development at (419) 372-2424. Part of the ticket proceeds will go toward the purchase of art for the building. Reservations are requested by April 12.
After being closed for two years for renovation and expansion, the new union has quickly returned to being the heart and soul of the University since reopening in January.
No public funds were used for the project. More than $6 million in private contributions from alumni, corporate sponsors and friends of the University were collected to help cover the costs.
 Bowen-Thompson Student Union |
The largest gift, $3 million, came from BGSU alumni Robert and Ellen Bowen Thompson of Plymouth, Mich., who attended the University during the 1950s and have fond memories of the campus. The new union bears their name. The remainder of the cost is being financed through $24 million in bonds and $4 million from reserves of auxiliary business units operating in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. The Thompsons will be among those attending the dedication ceremonies on April 27.
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