Sykes 50th Anniversary

50 Sykes Union 1975 - 2025

SYKES STUDENT UNION
THROUGH THE YEARS

1960

On March 23, 1960, Dean Caton, Dr. Evans, Mr. Messikomer, and Dr. Sturzebecker submit a report to the Executive Council stating “All concerned are in complete agreement that a student union building is critically needed on this campus.”

A scanned, typed report dated March 23, 1960, titled “A Report to the Executive Council Concerning the Student Union Building.” The document is organized into labeled sections (A–D) discussing the need for a student union, analysis of factors including alumni funds, review of possible solutions, and general recommendations. The text is typed in blue ink on aged, yellowed paper with visible wear and staple holes at the top. The report is signed at the bottom by Dean Caton, Dr. Evans, Mr. Messikomer, and Dr. Sturzebecker, Chairman.

1961-1969

The Presidency of Dr. Earl F. Sykes

During his Presidency he had the responsibility of implementing the extensive building programs planned and initiated under Dr. Charles S. Swope’s administration. When newly revised student potential enrollments were proposed, Dr. Sykes provided the leadership for a second phase of the building program. He also had the task of converting the college to the actuality of a multi-purpose institution, with the potential of university status which was likewise initially proposed on June 10, 1954 by Dr. Swope. Having been part of the College faculty for twenty-three years, he was able to bring his experience to bear upon the many problems during his nine years as President.

... As of the current writing, a committee made up of faculty, students, and members of the Board of Trustees are considering means of honoring him by associating the name of Earl F. Sykes with a campus facility.

Excerpt from Centennial History of West Chester State College (1971) by Dr. Russell L. Sturzebecker

A black and white portrait of Earl Sykes in a black suit and tie from the shoulders up.

1970

The Intracollegiate Governmental Association (IGA)—which had its beginnings during Sykes’s presidency—proposes various amendments to the IGA Constitution in the October issue of Quad Angles. In addition to amendments, two questions are posed, including one about the naming of the new Student Health and Life Center.

A newspaper headed Quad Angles, October 27, 1970, Quad Angles Supplement, Page 1. The article is headed Amended constitution requres majority of those voting.

1971

In April, the Board of Trustees unanimously votes to name the Student Union Building in honor of Dr. Earl F. Sykes.

Letter on faded paper reading: April 22, 1971. Dear Dr. Sykes: At the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees held on Wednesday, April 21, 1971 the Board unanimously voted to name the Student Union Building in your honor. This action on the part of the Board is a salute to your years of service to the West Chester State College. Please accept my congratulations and best wishes. Sincerely, yours, Paul W Dossey. The letter is address to Dr. Early F. Sykes 100 South Darlington Street West Chester, Pennsylvania 19330.

1972

A sketch of the student union building appears in the November issue of Quad Angles. Assistant Director of Facilities Llyod C. Black shares about the various facilities and services that will be housed in the building.

A newspaper headed November 21, 1972, Quad Angles, Page 3. The article is titled New building to blood this spring. At the bottom of the article is a drawing of the original Sykes Student Union captioned, Land across from Killinger Hall is marked for the new Student Health and Life Center.

1973

Constructions begins.

Document describing the Earl F. Sykes College Union at West Chester as a $2.5 million campus center intended to serve as a central meeting place for the college community, supporting conferences, performances, and co-curricular activities, and emphasizing the union staff’s role in fostering student and community growth. It includes a “College Union Facts” section outlining the planning timeline from the 1964 master plan through funding approval, construction dates, costs, and completion in the mid-1970s, as well as the building’s size and structure. A second section lists the offices and services housed in the Sykes College Union, including Student Affairs leadership, student life and housing offices, counseling, student activities and government offices, the bookstore, conference rooms, lounge, radio studio, snack bar, and a multi-purpose room.

According to the ceremony program for the Dedication of Earl F. Sykes College Union Building, construction began on May 14, 1973.

Newspaper clipping where at the top of the page is an aerial photo of Sykes Student Union being built. The caption is headed, Changing scenes and reads Airviews show progress on student union building (top photo) and New Main classroom building. Student center is opposite Killinger Hall, top left, and Schmucker Science Center. Five-story new main, top left of bottom photo, is new completion. Construction has also begun on library addition, which will be to the right of New Main. Recitation, Anderson, and old and new libraries are visible in bottom photo.

A photo of construction progress is published in the November issue of Quad Angles.

1975

The dedication of Earl F. Sykes College Union Building takes place on Saturday, October 4, 1975.

Letter headed West Chester State College West Chester Pennsylvania, Office of the President that reads: The Students, The Faculty, The President and the Board of Trustees of West Chester State College Cordially Invite You To Attend The Dedication Ceremonies of the Earl F. Sykes College Union Building West Rosedale Avenue Saturday, October 4, 1975, 4:45P.M. In the Foyer. At the bottom left it reads Refreshments at the bottom right it reads Guided Tour
Document printed on yellow paper headed Purple & Gold, West Chester State College. Published weekly by the Office of Cultural Affairs and College Events. Announcments will be accepted in room 121, Lawrence center Monday throug Friday, 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Information must be in by 4:30 p.m. Monday for publication the following week.
Document with an illustrated image of Sykes Student Union at the top of the page. underneath the heading reads Dedication Earl F. Sykes College Union Building. At the bottom of the page it says Saturday, October 4, 1975 West Chester State College
Two-page informational spread describing the Earl F. Sykes College Union at West Chester. The left page explains that the new campus center is a 55,000-square-foot, $2.5 million facility designed as a central gathering place for the college community, supporting conferences, performances, and co-curricular activities. It includes a “College Union Facts” section outlining planning history from 1964 through the mid-1970s, funding approval, construction costs, and completion dates, as well as the building’s size and number of stories. The right page lists offices and services housed in the Sykes College Union, including Student Affairs leadership, student life and housing offices, counseling, student activities and government offices, the bookstore, conference rooms, lounge, radio studio, snack bar, and a multi-purpose room.
Two-page biographical spread about Earl F. Sykes. At the top of the first page is an image of Earl Sykes in graduation regalia sitting in an arm chair. The document is headed Earl F. Sykes and reads Dr. Earl F. Sykes received a B.S. in Social Studies from Montana State University and the M.A. in Educational Administration from the same institution. He received his Ed.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1937, majoring in College Administration and Teacher Education. He began his professional career as an administrator in the school systems of Montana, coming to West Chester State College in 1938 as Professor of Educational Psychology and Supervisor of Student Teaching. He served as Director of Student Personnel, Acting Dean of Men, Acting Director of the College Laboratory School, Director of Teaching Education and Placement, Director of the Graduate Program, and Dean of Academic Affairs. He served as Acting President in August 1962, a position he held until his retirement in June 1969. The titles Professor-Emeritus of Education and President-Emeritus were conferred upon him by the Board of Trustees in 1971. During his presidency the campus underwent a major transformation from a teachers college to a multi-purpose institution of four schools and an impressive expansion of student body, faculty, and facilities. The size of the campus more than doubled and many buildings were erected on the north and south campuses. Among them were the health and physical education facility, four high-rise residence halls, the present dining hall, a modern science complex, and a new library structure. The building being dedicated today had its initial planning during Dr. Sykes’ tenure as president. The Intercollegiate Governmental Association (IGA) had its beginning during the period of his presidency. Dr. Sykes holds membership in a number of professional organizations and has served as chairman of professional educational committees at local and state levels. Many hours were contributed beyond his responsibilities to working with state groups interested in promoting low-cost high quality education in the Commonwealth. His efforts have always been directed toward the enhancement of the image of the state colleges as institutions of higher learning. He has written articles for publication in professional journals, as well as several handbooks related to the fields of student teaching and career development. Special honors include Honorary Life Membership in the Chester County Council of Parent-Teacher Association, a citation presented by the Department of Public Instruction for his contributions to curriculum research and development and improvement of instruction, a citation from the State of Montana for his contributions.
Two page document, the first page starts in the middle of a paragraph reading to education; and conferral of the Silver Beaver Award by the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts of America for his work among youth. The Board of Trustees and Faculty of West Chester State College presented n silver tea service to Dr. and Mrs. Sykes on the anniversary of his twenty-fifth year of service at the college. Service to the community includes membership in civic organizations with emphasis on work with young people. He is presently active in community affairs but finds time for travel, reading, writing, and gardening. Dr. and Mrs. Sykes reside in West Chester. They have four children and eight grandchildren. The second page is headed: Program and lists speakers for the event as follows: Welcome: Mr. Louis F. Weislogel, Vice President for Student Affairs West Chester State College. Meditation: Dr. George S. Claghorn Chairman, Philosophy department West Chester State College. Remarks: Dr. Charles G. Mayo President West Chester State College. Mr. Marion C. Staves Chairperson, Board of Trustees West Chester State College. Mr. Richard B. Montoro President Intracollegiate Governmental Associ. West Chester State College. Dr. Earl F. Sykes President Emeritus West Chester State College
Single-page document listing institutional leadership and student organization officers for West Chester State College. The page is centered and formal in layout. At the bottom of the page there is a circular seal of West Chester State College featuring a central emblem and the words “WEST CHESTER STATE COLLEGE” around the outer ring, with the year “1871” displayed within the seal. The lists are as follows WEST CHESTER STATE COLLEGE, WEST CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA. Dr. Charles G. Mayo, President, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, Mr. Marion C. Staves, Chairperson; Mr. D. Bernard Kirschner, Vice Chairperson; Stanley J. Lieberman, Esq., Secretary; Mr. James H. Marvel, Jr.; Mr. Charles M. Porter; Mr. Walter Reeder; Mr. Joseph Saltzman; Mrs. Constance C. Winchester. INTRACOLLEGIATE GOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION. Rick Montoro, President; Vernon Newman, Vice President; Nanci Ritter, Treasurer; Joan Orban, Secretary; Debra Nehls, Chairperson, College Union. COLLEGE UNION STAFF. Mr. Joseph G. Drabyk, Director; Ms. Mary Ellen Josephs, Assistant Director; Ms. Dorothy M. Hickey, Program Coordinator.
Document titled “DEDICATION CEREMONY 10/4/75.” The document contains a formal address celebrating the dedication of the College Union building at West Chester State College, honoring Dr. Earl F. Sykes for his contributions as president. The text reads This is indeed a happy day for West Chester State College and for me as its president. How appropriate it is that we are on this occasion dedicating the College Union building in recognition of the achievements of a man who, in his years as a member of the faculty and the administration of West Chester State College, worked so closely with students. This beautiful and functional new building gives tangible evidence of the successful efforts of Dr. Earl F. Sykes in bringing greater academic distinction and outstanding facilities to the college. As president of West Chester State College, it is with the greatest honor and pleasure that I extend to President Emeritus.

Remarks from Dr. Charles G. Mayo, President, West Chester State College

1976

The opening of Sykes College Union is featured in the 1976 West Chester State College Yearbook, The Serpentine.

Images of the opening of Sykes College Union in an article of the Yearbook, the Serpentine. A black-and-white collage of photographs from a 1970s college union publication. The images show students browsing bookshelves, sitting and studying in lounge spaces, walking through interior areas, and an exterior nighttime shot of stairs leading into a building with snow on the ground. Hand-drawn stars and graphic elements appear along the right margin, along with student protest imagery and captions advocating student rights and administrative accountability.

Mary Ellen (known as Mell) Josephs is named Director of Sykes College Union. Mell was instrumental in creating the student union we know and love today. She served the WCU community for 40 years, retiring in 2015.

In 2022, Mell was named one of the 150 Most Influential Women of West Chester University, and, today, you can visit the Mell Josephs Plaza outside of the Business & Public Management Center on Sharpless St.

Newspaper page from The Quad, dated February 3, 1976. The headline reads “Where students can be themselves.” The article discusses Mell Josephs’ role as director of the College Union Building and his philosophy on creating a relaxed, student-centered space. A portrait photo of Mell Josephs appears on the right side of the page.

70s & 80s

Sykes College Union Building: The Beginnings

Throughout the 70s & 80s, Sykes College Union Building comes to life, creating a place for students to connect and engage with all that campus has to offer.

Sykes is home to various offices, meeting spaces, a theater, and the bookstore. Student-run media including WCUR, The Quad, and Serpentine set up shop on the second floor while the first floor features a gameroom, TV lounge, Information Center, Ram’s Head Deli, and more.

Black-and-white photograph of three students sitting together on a couch in the Sykes college union lobby. Two students in the center look down at an open book or notebook, appearing to study or read together, while the student on the right leans in and looks on. The space features cushioned seating, potted plants, and a large circular ceiling opening with a decorative light fixture above.
A vertically oriented printed flyer with a red decorative border and centered text. The main message reads Come Home to Sykes Union. Below the headline are two phone numbers. At the bottom is the West Chester University logo with the text “West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19383.
A black-and-white two-page spread from a 1970s student publication featuring the Student Center Union Building (SCUB). The pages include multiple photographs of students using the building: entering through doors, browsing and working at a bookstore counter, playing pool, purchasing tickets, and socializing. SCUB, College Union Building, includes offices, lounges, and shops scattered through the area. You can get tickets for a campus show or movie, eat lunch, buy books, candy, and gifts, or pick up a ticket to the football game all at the same time. Oh oh! They’re out of tabs! Some students relax between classes by shooting pool. Mr. Roger Patrizio, IGA Director, helps keep our bookstore stocked. Along with books, IGA sells cards and small gift items. Students wait in line to cash checks and buy tickets. Page numbers appear at the bottom corners of the spread.
A black-and-white informational page about the Sykes College Union Building featuring directional arrows labeled “Sykes College Union Building” across the top. The page lists facilities and services offered in the building, including information desk services, ticket sales, recreation center, card shop and snack area, bookstore, meeting facilities, lounges, TV viewing areas, deli and snack bar, art gallery, duplicating and poster services, and student spaces. Several photographs show students socializing outdoors, playing pool, playing tug of war outdoors, and using lounge seating.
A black-and-white photograph of a student leaning over a pool table in a college union game room, aiming a shot with a cue stick. Several billiard balls are spread across the table. In the background, rows of arcade machines line the wall, and other students stand and play games. The space has a low ceiling with recessed lighting.
A newspaper-style advertisement titled “Sykes Deli.” The page promotes meat and cheese sold by the quarter, half, and pound. An illustrated deli worker stands behind a counter with hanging meats overhead. A block of text describes the deli and snack bar offerings, hours, and services. Below the text is the slogan “The taste of quality is long remembered,” followed by a black-and-white photograph of students seated and eating in the deli area of the student union.
Black-and-white photograph of a student seated at a radio broadcast console inside a campus radio station studio. The student wears large over-ear headphones and faces audio equipment with knobs, switches, and microphones. A sign above the window reads “The Pacesetter WCUR West Chester.” A wall clock, speakers, handwritten notes, and a rack of cassette tapes are visible
Black-and-white photograph of students ordering food at a deli counter inside a college union. Several students stand on one side of a glass display case while staff members work behind the counter preparing food. Condiment bottles, cups, and food containers line the counter, and a small price sign is visible above the serving area.

70s & 80s

The College Union Activities Board (CUAB)

Funded through the student activities fee, CUAB is charged with hosting co-curricular programming for the entire campus. The board is part of the Intercollegiate Governmental Association (IGA), WCU’s student governing body concerned with the welfare of all students.

CUAB’s aim—with the help and input of feepaying undergraduate students—is to offer a wide variety of entertainment including films, concerts, art exhibits, workshops, coffeehouse shows, and more.

Two-page yearbook spread featuring the College Union Activities Board (CUAB). The layout includes multiple candid photographs of students participating in programs such as meetings, phone coordination, performances, and group discussions. Additional images show promotional displays, and meeting spaces.
Yearbook spread titled “Concerts,” featuring black-and-white photographs of live musical performances. Images include individual singers performing into microphones, a guitarist playing on stage, a full band posed together, and a vocalist singing with one arm raised.
A red-background yearbook spread titled “Coffee Houses,” featuring multiple black-and-white photographs of performers at campus coffeehouse events. Images show individual performers and small groups singing, playing instruments and speaking with audiences.
Black-and-white yearbook page featuring multiple photographs of students participating in College Union Activities Board (CUAB) planning and programming. Images show students seated in meetings, reading or writing notes, gathered together in a large group photo, and collaborating informally around tables.
A yellowed student programming page titled “The Program Board,” featuring a large “PB” logo and a Fall Calendar of Events. The page lists concerts, lectures, theatre productions, films, and Common Ground events sponsored by the Program Board at Sykes Union. Event dates, titles, locations, and admission information are organized into columns, reflecting campus cultural programming in the 1970s.

1986

Student Services Incorporated (SSI) replaces IGA in managing student activities funds.

Mell Josephs becomes Director of SSI.

A calendar from the 1980s that includes photographs and historical information related to West Chester University. The images at the top show campus events and people, including a presidential inauguration, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, staff recognition, and exterior views of university buildings. Captions identify dates, locations, and individuals shown in the photographs. Beneath the images is a block of text outlining institutional changes and campus developments during that time period. A monthly calendar appears at the bottom of the page with specific dates highlighted.

1987

Patrick Farley begins as the Director of the Student Union Building and Greek Life Programs. He is also the Executive Director of the Northeast Interfraternity Conference

1990

Dave Timmann begins as Director of Sykes Student Union.

Students approve a feasibility study for additions/renovations to Sykes Student Union, scheduled for construction in 1992.

Front page of The Quad, the student newspaper of West Chester University, dated April 11, 1990. The main headline reads “Sykes New in ’92,” with a subheadline stating “Controversy surrounds building’s future.” The page includes articles about campus construction plans, funding concerns, and student response, along with photographs of the Sykes Union Building and students. A page from The Quad, the student newspaper of West Chester University, dated Wednesday, April 11, 1990. The headline reads “Proposal creates battle for student support.” The article discusses a proposal related to the Sykes Union Building and includes multiple paragraphs of text and quoted statements from individuals. A prominent quote appears in the center of the page, attributed to Tony Meliskey. The bottom portion of the page contains an advertisement for a concert, listing ticket sales at the Sykes Ticket Window and a performance scheduled for April 29 at 8 p.m. in Hollinger Field House.

1993

A ground-breaking ceremony for the renovations of Sykes Student Union takes place on October 13, 1993.

The Sykes renovation project is unique because it is not funded by the state legislature. Students, in a 1990 referendum, approved the collection of student fees to fund the project and helped plan the renovation by working with the architects for the project.

The Quad | Volume 65, No. 5

Front page of The Quad, Volume 65, Number 5, published on Tuesday, October 19, 1993. A banner at the top reads “WCU Salutes Disney,” with a note indicating a special Homecoming ’93 insert. The main headline states “Ground-breaking marks onset of Student Union renovations,” accompanied by an article explaining the renovation plans. Additional headlines include “Homecoming ’93: a Disney salute,” “Booklet explains academia,” and “Students find hope for future in AIDS Walk.” A photograph beneath the Homecoming headline shows two students smiling toward the camera, and an index listing page numbers appears along the right side of the page.

1995

Sykes Student Union reopens for the 1995- 1996 academic year. The newly renovated building includes a fitness center on the ground floor (and an aerobics room!) as well as Ram’s Head Food Court.

A dedication of the new Sykes building is held on October 20 before Homecoming festivities get underway.

Newspaper article announcing the reopening of the Sykes Union building. The headline reads “New and improved Sykes opens,” with a byline crediting Carrie Holbert. The article text describes the reopening of the Earl F. Sykes Student Union to students, faculty, and staff and lists new or expanded features such as dining options, fitness and recreation spaces, and student services. A large photograph above the article shows the exterior of the Sykes Union building. An index box on the right lists sections including Police Beat, Editorial, Forum, Features, Entertainment, Billboard, and Sports with corresponding page numbers. A newspaper article published on Tuesday, September 19, 1995. The headline reads “Improved Sykes offers fun, food and study areas.” A photograph beneath the headline shows students waiting in a line at the food court inside Sykes Union. The article text describes renovations and new features in the building, including food services, recreational areas, and study spaces. A caption under the photograph states that students are waiting patiently for their turn in the check-out line in the new food court in Sykes.

2000s & 2010s

The Sykes staff grows with the addition of Chris Brenner, Toni Kampf, and others who helped shape the programs, services, and student employment opportunities that continue to thrive today.

A large group of students and staff pose together indoors during a staff training event. The group stands closely packed, smiling, laughing, and making playful gestures toward the camera. Several people wear matching blue T-shirts with name tags, while others wear casual summer clothing.
Two-page spread titled “WCU’s Nightlife Activities.” The layout features multiple photographs showing evening and nighttime campus events, including a live band performing indoors, students gathered around a bonfire outdoors, people walking through an arched, well-lit campus walkway at night, and groups of students socializing, dancing, and participating in activities. A block of text appears on the left page beneath the headline, describing campus nightlife programming. The images emphasize music, social events, and student gatherings occurring after dark.
A group of five student staff members pose behind an information desk inside a campus building. They wear matching purple polo shirts with embroidered text, stand or sit around the desk, and smile toward the camera, with one person giving a thumbs-up. The desk area includes pamphlets, a computer monitor, and a countertop, and a wall behind them displays large lettering that reads “Information,” along with a wall clock and office fixtures.
Promotional poster titled “Sykes After Dark: Live Entertainment Weekends.” The poster lists free Friday night events held from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at locations including the Ballroom, Lobby, and Common Grounds. The schedule is arranged by date from February through April and includes activities such as comedy shows, formal dances, movie nights, carnival night, craft night, scavenger hunt, game shows, drag show, murder mystery, and late-night finals breakfast. Each event listing includes brief descriptions, sponsors, prizes, and food offerings.
Magazine-style spread titled “Ram e-Card: New & Improved.” The left page contains a block of text explaining updates to the student identification card and dining changes at West Chester University, with the title printed vertically along the left margin. The right page features several photographs of students holding Ram e-Cards, smiling at the camera, and using their cards at dining locations such as Subway and Chick-fil-A. An image of the Ram e-Card itself appears near the top right, showing the card design and West Chester University branding.
Color photograph of two people smiling at the camera indoors. One person stands slightly in front wearing a dark T-shirt with university lettering, while the other stands just behind wearing a blue top.
A recruitment flyer featuring a large group photo of students posing together indoors at the top. Below the photo is a green and yellow graphic section with the heading “Oh! The Places you can go…” and Sykes Union branding. The text advertises student employment opportunities at Sykes Union for the Fall 2010 semester, including positions at the information desk, copy center, and as student directors. Application details, an email contact, a website link, and the Sykes Union address and phone number appear at the bottom of the flyer.
Color photograph of three adults standing close together indoors and smiling at the camera. The person on the left wears a purple polo shirt, the person in the center wears a patterned sleeveless top with a name badge, and the person on the right wears a sleeveless purple shirt.

2020

In February, Senior Director of Sykes Student Union Dave Timmann retires after nearly 30 years of service.

In June, Assistant Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students Gerald Martin announces the hiring of Clayton Kolb as the new Senior Director of Sykes Student Union.

Present

Our SUSA Era: Sykes Union and Student Activities

In 2021, the departments of Sykes Student Union and Student Activities join together to form Sykes Union and Student Activities, or SUSA. We are a leader in intentional community building that prioritizes student success through creating and sustaining affirming spaces for all, providing students leadership opportunities, fostering campus traditions, and offering meaningful experiences focused on a sense of belonging.

Providing WCU students with employment and professional development opportunities is a cornerstone of SUSA’s work—whether through roles centered around building operations and management, event planning, assessment, and more.

In October 2025, the Student Activities Council (SAC) hosted “Cheers to 50 years!” in celebration of Sykes Union’s 50th birthday!

Exterior of the Sykes Student Union on a clear day. The modern building features dark paneling, stone accents, large windows, and an accessible ramp leading to the main entrance. Several flags stand on poles in front of the building, and trees line the right side of the scene under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A large group of student staff members pose together outdoors under a covered structure. They wear matching black polo shirts with embroidered logos and stand in several rows, smiling toward the camera. The picture is set on the pergola of Sykes Student Union.
A nighttime photograph of the exterior entrance to the Sykes Student Union. Large spotlightted text on the building reads “RAMS After Hours,” with “Sykes Student Union” displayed below. The image shows the building facade lit from below, emphasizing the signage against the dark background.
Three people standing together indoors and smiling at the camera. They pose in front of a purple pillar with a decorative painting of the West Chester University Logo in yellow. The individuals wear casual clothing, including hoodies and sweaters.
Four student staff members gathered at the information desk in Sykes Student Union. Three individuals wear matching red “Banana Day” T-shirts and smile toward the camera, while two wear red baseball caps with a banana logo on the front. A fourth person stands behind the desk wearing a purple hoodie and cap with arms crossed. Posters, signage, and computer equipment are visible around the desk.
A group of staff members pose together inside the Sykes Student Union, wearing colorful costumes for a Halloween event. The group stands on and around a staircase in the building’s atrium, with individuals dressed in a variety of themed outfits, including wigs, hats, uniforms, and bright clothing. Directional signage, railings, and the open interior of the student union are visible in the background.
Exterior of the Sykes Student Union on a sunny day. The building features modern architecture with wood accents, metal railings, large windows, and an elevated walkway leading to the entrance. A sign in the foreground reads “110 W. Rosedale Ave — West Chester University Student Union,” and storefront windows display “WCU Campus Store” signage. Trees with spring foliage and a grassy lawn surround the building under a blue sky.
Two people standing indoors wearing full-body banana costumes. Both wear sunglasses and smile toward the camera, with one giving a thumbs-up.
The main staircase inside the Sykes Student Union decorated for Love-is-Love Week. Each step is lined with bright colors from different identity flags, creating a rainbow effect up the stairs. Metal railings line both sides of the staircase, and directional signage and student union wall graphics are visible in the surrounding atrium space.
A group of student staff members pose together and smile at the camera in front of a gold sequin backdrop. They wear matching gray T-shirts celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sykes Student Union at West Chester University, and several wear “Happy Birthday” headbands. A small graphic in the corner reads “Cheers to 50 Years — Sykes Student Union, West Chester University.”