Our Story
In November of 1963, the student body approved the building of the Student Union and pledged to support its construction by paying student fees. Construction of the 144,000 square foot building, designed by the Palo Alto architectural firm of Ernest J. Krump and Associates, began in 1967. The Union was opened in the Fall of 1969 and cost in excess of $5 million, including furnishings. No state money (tax dollars) was used in the construction of the building. The construction of the Student Union was funded by monetary donations. A federal loan of $3.2 million was obtained and is being paid over a period of 40 years. During the 1980's, the process of the 1960's was repeated again. Students voted to pay a fee that would finance the building of a recreation and event center. Three different elections were held; additional student fees were collected and the facilities were constructed. In May 1988, the Aquatic Center opened and in the following year, the Event Center opened. The Student Union fee, which every student pays each semester, goes towards repayment of the bonds on all of the facilities, as well as supports a percentage of the annual operating costs of the buildings.
After forty years of dedicated service, the Student Union building on the San José State University Campus was expanded and renovated to better suit the needs of a larger and more diverse student body. Work began on the Student Center Facilities project, which included the completed Diaz Compean Student Union and construction of a new recreational facility. The west and east expansions of the Diaz Compean Student Union opened in July 2014 and the newly renovated Student Union Main opened its doors in April 2016.
The newly expanded and renovated Student Union quickly became the hub of campus life, as numerous student organizations found their home inside the building. Students flocked inside to study, relax with friends, and grab a bite to eat. Shortly afterwards, construction began three years later on a new gym and recreation facility. In April 2019, the Spartan Recreation & Aquatic Center opened its doors to students, faculty, staff, and community.
Marking its 50th anniversary in 2019, the Student Union is now the heart and soul of campus. The facilities provide social, recreational, and educational space for all students, as well as services to meet community demands and facilities for university organizations. Student Union, Inc. continues its investment in the well-being of San José State university students and helps them to be socially responsible leaders and productive individuals who meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Address
Diaz Compean Student Union, 1 Washington St, CA 95192
San Jose, CA
95192