Sykes 50th Anniversary
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.”
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
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.
1971
In April, the Board of Trustees unanimously votes to name the Student Union Building in honor of Dr. Earl F. Sykes.
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.
1973
Constructions begins.
According to the ceremony program for the Dedication of Earl F. Sykes College Union Building, construction began on May 14, 1973.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1986
Student Services Incorporated (SSI) replaces IGA in managing student activities funds.
Mell Josephs becomes Director of SSI.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
