Our History

As a Laurier student, it’s inevitable that at least once a day you travel the halls of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre, also commonly referred to as the Student Union Building. What I, and many others fail to realize, is there is a unique story behind both the building and the organization that resides within.

I’m sure that many of you know that the Centre is owned by the students, and you probably know exactly how long it takes to get to the front of the Pita Shack line up. What many probably do not realize is that when the building was initially built in 1960, the Terrace, so crucial in the diet of many first year students, was not only non-existent, but that a parking garage held this distinguished place of honour. In 1960, the fund designed to finance the proposed building, consisting of a $10 fee per student per year, was not able to keep up with the costs needed to build it. Considering that at this point in time, our entire student union, including the book store, was being housed in what is now the housing office, one can realize that time was of the essence in this particular project.

Thankfully, as we all well know, the building was indeed built. How it was initially constructed is another story. While describing the funding issues associated with a project of this magnitude, Fred Nichols, Dean of Students from 1966-1996, informed me that the initial construction of the building consisted of the top two floors, perched upon a stilt like design, which housed underground parking. After having worked so hard to raise the money for this new structure, one can imagine the pride students felt while looking upon it for the first time. The building standing before them, much like the building we see today, was “our” building. The Students’ Union not only occupied the building, but became responsible for everything that was associated with it.
The true ownership of the building cannot be demonstrated more clearly than to describe a scenario that took place a few years later.

Apparently, the University was looking for a place to locate the Physical Plant and Planning area, and were eyeing a floor in the newly constructed Students’ Union Building. A deal was struck between the students and the university; the University would finance the construction of the two remaining floors and provide parking on Bricker, in return they would be entitled to occupy the lower level for ten years. Obviously this was a deal that seemed beneficial to both sides, and the two lower floors were constructed. At the end of the ten-year agreement the Students’ Union decided not to renew the rental of the bottom floor and proceeded to fill in the basement and expand the front.

Though after reading the above, most obviously wouldn’t doubt that the building indeed belonged to the students, though legalities were to surface at a later date. In 1986 The Students’ Union decided they wanted to honour their beloved Dean of Students, Fred Nichols, not only for his crucial role in the construction of the new building, but his many other accomplishments as well. Placing his name for prominent display on “their building” was determined to be the perfect way to show their respect and regard for such a prominent figure.

One can undoubtedly imagine their disappointment and frustration they felt when this idea faced resistance from the University. Not to be dissuaded from their goal, the Union went so far as to take the matter to court. Needless to say they incurred a significant legal bill in the process only to face yet another disappointment. Though they could be completely responsible for, and maintain all rights to, the building in question, they didn’t, and couldn’t, actually own it. Sadly enough, without actual ownership of the building, they also had to relinquish the right to put a name on the building.

Ten years later, the Student Union, under the leadership of President Joel Lynn, used a different tactic in approaching the University about the naming. Dean Nichols upcoming retirement, and the accomplishments and initiatives he had spearheaded throughout his career at Laurier undoubtedly made a compelling case for the honour of having the building named after the Dean. A naming ceremony took place on April 6, 1996, and the Students’ Union Building officially became The Fred Nichols Campus Centre.

Since then, the Students’ Union has continued to grow and develop within the Laurier Community. In 2000, WLUSU regained ownership of the Terrace Food Court and renovated the space to include more options for students at Laurier. It was at this point that Pita Shack, Golden Wok, Harvey’s and the Yogen Fruz Café became the newest success story for WLUSU.

In the summer of 2002, the Students’ Union dedicated money and time into renovating the Turret Nightclub to better suit the needs of students. The business got $400,000 facelift that has allowed WLUSU to begin a new venture in catering and event hosting within the Turret.