Fresno State’s new student union, which was authorized by a student vote in 2018, is now officially open.

The 84,000-square-foot, three-story building bears the names of Beverly Hills philanthropists and business leaders Lynda and Stewart Resnick, who pledged $10 million to the $60 million effort.

“This new space is one that’s been sorely needed for many years as our campus population outgrew the capacity of the original Student Union,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval at Tuesday’s ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

“Together with the Resnicks, this partnership represents a shared commitment to empower students to use their passions to ignite change in our community, and beyond, for years to come.”

(Watch) New Student Union Video Tour

With the building’s opening, students will start paying $149 per semester to help finance the construction and operations.

Heart of the Campus, Iconic Views

The new student union is in the heart of campus, between the Kennel Bookstore, Speech Arts and Music buildings, and the University Center.  Demolition of the Keats building and an amphitheater cleared space for the new facility.

The high-tech building’s top floor offers views overlooking iconic locations, such as the Memorial Court Fountain, Clock Tower, and Water Tower. A broad red ribbon spanning all three floors symbolizes a student’s emotional and academic growth at Fresno State.

“The Student Unions’ Board of Directors is excited to welcome students to the new RSU,” said Nancy Campos, chair of the board. “Now, students have the opportunity to enjoy even more spacious lounge areas, study spaces, and a variety of food options. It is important to provide students with access to the essential resources and tools they need to learn and thrive, now, and for future generations of Bulldogs.”

What’s Inside

The first floor includes dining and lounge areas, with tours for prospective students and families starting at the Bank of America Bulldog Welcome Center. It also houses the new Leon S. Peters Event Plaza, a scenic outdoor amphitheater-style space. The Ruiz, named for donor Ruiz Foods, consists of three connected conference rooms that can accommodate up to 1,200 people.

The second floor includes a reservation center, meeting rooms for Associated Students Inc., Student Unions’ Board of Directors, as well as meeting spaces for student clubs and campus groups. It houses the Table Mountain Rancheria Student Lounge.

The third floor features student leadership spaces, Club Hub, the Justice Marvin and Jane Baxter ASI Executive Suite, the Ryan and Ashley Jacobsen Associated Students Inc. President’s Office, and Student Involvement offices.

The Wonderful Scholar Center, also on the third floor, is a dedicated gathering space where nearly 300 Wonderful scholarship recipients at Fresno State will receive tutoring and advising support from college-success coaches.

Questions About the Student Union?

For more information about the Resnick Student Union, click here.