The Bone Student Center

The Bone Student Center is a student center at Illinois State University, United States.

History of the Student Center

The need for an establishment that supports socialization was originally realized in 1891 when the Philadelphian and Wrightonian Debate Societies requested a location to hold social events and meetings. The two groups then competed to create the more extravagant room out of the two they were supplied with located in the Old Main building. This rivalry is the foundation for the creation of the Bone Student Center. On April 6, 1934, student council then brought to the attention of the University the need for a place to socialize. They requested a location that would support dancing, club meetings, card functions, and teas. $1,200 was raised by the students to develop a lounge in the Old Main building. Three rooms and a kitchenette were also established. The Student Union Building was then created in 1956 under the guide of President Robert G. Bone with $700,000 financed by student fees. The remaining $150,000 was supplied by the Campaign for Bloomington/Normal fundraising. Inside this Student Union Building (currently known as Old Union) were a ballroom, the Daily Vidette newspaper, recreation lounges, cafeterias, and a snack bar titled “The Cage.” Unfortunately, the requests of the students were not satisfied and many needs were not meant. In order to gather more information needed to benefit the student population and create a more useful student center, President Bone appointed a committee in 1965 that completed the task. According to the Illinois State University website, “The committee wishes to offer intellectual, social-recreational, cultural and service programs that met the needs of the enrollment projection for 1975 of 20,000 students.” The Illinois State University Union and Auditorium were built by 1973, and during the University’s 125th Anniversary the center was deemed the Bone Student Center/Braden Auditorium. In February 1982, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Bone, President from 1956 to 1967, and Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Braden, President from 1967 to 1970, were honored with this dedication. The student center had been directed by Bruce Kaiser, Christ Schwelle, Martin Jackson, and Lowa Mwilambwe over the years. Currently, the building is used for various activities and remains at the heart of the Illinois State University campus.

Uses of the Student Center

The Bone Student Center hosts many fun and enjoyable activities that are open to both the students of ISU as well as the public. Past events held in the Bone include speaker events, concerts, hypnotists, and ballets, to name a few. The Bone is also used for student-sponsored events such as job fairs, chess tournaments, dances, and group meetings. Many of the events are either free or offered at a discounted rate for students of Illinois State University. Registered Student Organizations are encouraged to rent rooms in the Bone Student Center to host their events. These rooms include the Braden Auditorium, Brown Ballroom, Circus Room, Founders Suite, Old Main Room, Prairie Room, and Spotlight Room.

Braden Auditorium

The Braden Auditorium hosts many shows, concerts and conferences; it is well known in central Illinois. It holds 3,483 seats on the Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony levels.

Brown Ballroom

As one of the largest rooms in the Bone Student Center, the Brown Ballroom hosts large events such as dances, banquets, and fashion shows. This room has a large stage, tile floors, a large screen used for projections, and theatrical lighting.

Circus Room

Resembling an old-fashioned 3-ring circus, the Circus Room hosts many luncheons and lectures. There are three rings of light on the ceiling and circus memorabilia decorating the room. The room is split level with a small stage used for speeches or entertainment.

Founders Suite

The Founders Suite is a private, comfortable room used for meetings or small receptions. This room is named after the founders of Illinois State University, and oil paintings of former presidents of the University, relaxing couches, and chandelier lighting add to the ambience of this room.

Old Main Room

The Old Main Room is used mostly for meetings, presentations, or luncheons. The room is fully carpeted and includes portraits of Illinois State University presidents on the walls.

Prairie Room

The Prairie Room can be used for large receptions, concerts, and seminars, but the room can also be partitioned in the three areas for smaller events like discussions or board meetings. The room is carpeted and the large windows in the room overlook a courtyard.

potlight Room

This room is perfect for meetings or lectures. It can be set up to seat 30 people for a conference atmosphere or 50 people for a lecture atmosphere. It is carpeted and has a white board on the wall.

Establishments within the Student Center

The Bone Student Center is home to numerous establishments where students can achieve a variety of things. The BSC offers restaurants, stores, recreation, and auditoriums.

Food

Four main eating establishments are located in the Bone Student Center, the most famous of which is Burger King, which is located on the second floor in the Bird’s Nest Lounge. Also located in the Bird’s Nest Lounge is a Pizza Hut Express, which offers customers many of the same options a normal Pizza Hut serves but service is much quicker. Located on the first floor of the BSC are McAlister’s Deli and The Cage II. McAlister’s Deli serves over 100 items, including specialty sandwiches and their famous oversized potatoes. The Cage II is arguably the best coffee house on Illinois State University’s campus. The Cage II offers hot drinks, cold drinks, pastries, soups and more. Like many coffee houses, the Cage II provides for its customers couches and a wide-screen TV to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Business

The Bone Student Center includes many different businesses that provide Illinois State students with a variety of services. Barnes & Noble Bookstore, located on the second floor, is the official bookstore of Illinois State University. The bookstore provides ISU apparel, textbooks, accessories, and more. The Braden Box Office is located on the first floor. Here, customers can buy tickets for the Peoria Charter, Burlington Trailways, and for upcoming events to be held in the Bone Student Center. The Lobby Shop is a convenience store located on the first floor. It provides snacks, magazines, and any other items normally found in convenience stores. When students experience computer difficulties and need PC supplies, they visit the Tech Zone on the second floor. The Redbird Card Office, on the second floor, is where students go to receive a Redbird Card or if the want to add money onto their account. Other business are the PIP, which allows students to make copies of documents, the ISU Credit Union, where financial needs are taken care of, and the Campus Banner Service, which offers high-quality banners and specialty items to ISU student organizations, departments, and offices. One final business that the Bone Student Center provides is the Bowling and Billiards Center (BBC). The BBC offers bowling, billiards, arcade games, and karaoke for low prices.

ee also

* [http://www.bsc.ilstu.edu/ The Bone Student Center at Illinois State University] , 2006