In the center of West Campus is Tangeman University Center. Architects Harry Hake and Harry Hake Jr. built TUC in 1937 in response to a growing student population.[2] The building was constructed with a Georgian Colonial style and highlighted by the large columns at the entrance and the clock tower. [3] The image of TUC's clock tower has been utilized on countless materials showcasing the campus of the University of Cincinnati.
The clock and the Brown Memorial Chimes within the tower were donated in recognition of UC alumni Sanford Brown.[4] Brown contributed to the campaign to secure funds for building TUC and with his tireless effort, funds from the Public Works Administration and the city of Cincinnati, ensured that the student Union could be built.[5] TUC was known originally as the Student Union or simply as the “Union”.[6] As today, the Student Union was a place for students to congregate, eat lunch and buy books.[7] At the time of its construction, it was one of the two largest buildings on campus and it housed the majority of the student organizations.[8]
[9]
As the student population continued to grow additional space was added on the Student Union in 1967 at a cost of approximately 3.6 million.[10] Funds were raised for the construction through a special fee students agreed to pay [11] After construction; Student Union was renamed in honor of Donald Core Tangeman, the son of University of Cincinnati alumni.[12] The addition nearly doubled the size of the TUC providing more areas for student activities.[13] Between 2001 and 2004, renovation became necessary to bring the building up-to-date and TUC underwent a major transformation[14]. Additions were added on both sides of the building and the 1967 addition was removed.[15] Once reopened, students were able again to congregate, eat lunch and buy books, while the new amenities of TUC allowed students to see movies at the MainStreet Cinema or engage with fellow students in the Catskeller Game & Sports Lounge.[16] Although it has undergone many changes, Tangeman, at its core, remains a place for students.
[1] The Cincinnatian. University of Cincinnati Yearbook 1938 . UC Publications. 1938. Page 14.
[2] “Ground Broken for Student Union Building, Making $750,000 In U.C. Projects Under Way”, Cincinnati Enquirer, January 14, 1936. Page 8.
[3] “Student Union Building Opens Next Week”, Cincinnati Enquirer, May 30, 1937. Page 4.
[4] “Student Union Building Celebration Is To End”, Cincinnati Times Star, June 9, 1937. Page 32.
[5] Ibid.
[6] “Student Union”, Cincinnati Enquirer, October 26, 1938. Page 8.
[7] Ibid.
[8] “Student Union Building Opens Next Week”, Cincinnati Enquirer, May 30, 1937. Page 4.
[9] The Cincinnatian. University of Cincinnati Yearbook 1965 . UC Publications. 1965. Page 6 and 8.
[10] “Student Union...Expanding, Ground Is Broken for $3.6 Million Addition At Uc”, Cincinnati Post, January 1, 1964. Page 5.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Kevin Grace, Walking Tour of the University of Cincinnati West Campus, Cincinnati: UC Publications, 1990.
[13] Student Union...Expanding, Ground Is Broken for $3.6 Million Addition At Uc”, Cincinnati Post, January 1, 1964. Page 8.
[14] Dawn Fuller "Meet Me on MainStreet." UC News, May 6, 2008. http://www.uc.edu/news/nr.aspx?id=3940 (accessed October 13, 2011).
[15] Ibid.
[16] Ibid.