Wyoming Union on UW Campus is Among Nations Best

University of Wyoming student Christine Mock, from Cheyenne, knows why the University of Wyoming Union is among the nation’s top college unions and campus centers -- it has everything she needs.

“The union is a space that offers literally everything I need -- my place of work, a space to study, to eat, to hang out and has all the services I could ever want,” Mock says.

Recently, Best College Values, a ranking service and college planning resource online guide, released a list of the “30 Most Amazing Student Unions” across the nation’s campuses and universities. The Wyoming Union is ranked No. 18 by the publication, with the University of Nebraska in Lincoln the only area school closest in proximity to UW.

The entire list can be viewed at http://www.bestcollegevalues.org/student-unions/.

The Wyoming Union, known as the "living room" of campus, is the student-centered facility that offers programs, involvement opportunities, services and spaces designed to meet a variety of needs, says Darcy DeTienne, Wyoming Union director. The union was built in 1939, and celebrated its 75th anniversary last semester.

The narrative used by Best College Values editors to describe the Wyoming Union is: “Centrally located on the main campus of the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Union consists of over 19,000 square feet of productive business and commerce space. Additions to the Union in 1957 and 1973 expanded the structure, but the 2002 addition allowed for a cohesive meeting spot able to accommodate students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community at The University of Wyoming. Besides offices for student government and other organizations, the Union has the University Store, Copy Center, First Interstate Bank, and a food court under its roof.”

DeTienne says she is pleased with the national recognition.

“Being in the top 20 unions in the country is a testament to our university and to the union staff. We have a wonderful facility, amazing programs, and the best staff a director could ask for,” DeTienne says. “Most of all, we have incredible students who work with us and support us every day. Having that recognized on a national level is priceless.”

Among criteria used to create the rankings were architecture and exterior appeal, which were the largest weighted factors according to Best College Values’ editors. Other considerations were facilities, interior appeal, history, tradition, student services and contribution to student life.

"Student unions are meant to be the hub of campus culture, which makes them a valuable resource for prospective students to understand the school they may attend,” says Kevin Shull, the article’s editor. “An amazing student union not only serves as a beautiful landmark, but as a representation of the school's attention to detail and desire to make the school a place that students feel comfortable and can connect."

UW student Danielle Wood, from Nederland, Colo., couldn’t agree more.

“The Wyoming Union is the throbbing hub of student life here on our campus. There is something for everyone, good food and an excellent atmosphere,” she says.