George Sherman Union

George Sherman Union is a student union building located at Boston University, designed by Kallmann McKinnell & Wood and completed in 1964. The building serves as a central hub for student activities, providing a space for Student Government Association meetings, Boston University Student Activities events, and Alpha Phi Omega community service projects. It is named after George Sherman, a former Boston University trustee, and has hosted various events and conferences, including the Boston University Career Services fair and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators conference. The building's design and facilities have been influenced by the works of Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Frank Lloyd Wright.

● History

The George Sherman Union was built during a period of significant expansion for Boston University, with the university experiencing rapid growth in enrollment and academic programs under the leadership of John Silber and Daniel L. Marsh. The building's construction was made possible through the support of George Sherman and other Boston University trustees, including William F. Buckley Jr. and Norman Vincent Peale. The union has hosted numerous events and conferences over the years, featuring speakers such as Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, and Elie Wiesel, and has been a hub for student activism and organizing, with groups like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the American Civil Liberties Union holding meetings and events in the building. The union has also been a popular spot for Boston University students to relax and socialize, with many taking advantage of the building's amenities, including the George Sherman Union Food Court and the Boston University Bookstore.

● Architecture

The George Sherman Union was designed by Kallmann McKinnell & Wood, a renowned architectural firm that has also designed buildings for Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Yale University. The building's design is characterized by its use of brutalist architecture and modernist architecture elements, with a focus on functionality and simplicity, similar to the works of Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. The building's exterior features a distinctive concrete façade, while the interior includes a large atrium and a variety of meeting and event spaces, including the Metropolitan College auditorium and the College of Arts and Sciences lounge. The union's design has been influenced by the works of Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Frank Lloyd Wright, and has been recognized for its innovative use of materials and space, earning awards from the American Institute of Architects and the Boston Society of Architects.

● Facilities

The George Sherman Union offers a wide range of facilities and amenities for Boston University students, including the George Sherman Union Food Court, which features a variety of dining options, including Starbucks, Subway, and Sbarro. The building also includes a game room, a lounge area, and a variety of meeting and event spaces, including the Trustee Ballroom and the Alumni Lounge. The union is also home to the Boston University Student Activities office, which provides support and resources for student organizations and events, including the Boston University Dance Team and the Boston University Debate Society. Additionally, the building features a convenience store, a bank, and a post office, making it a one-stop shop for Boston University students, with services similar to those offered by Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

● Student Life

The George Sherman Union is a central hub for student life at Boston University, with many student organizations and groups holding meetings and events in the building, including the Boston University Student Government Association, the Boston University College Republicans, and the Boston University College Democrats. The union also hosts a variety of events and activities, including concerts, comedy shows, and cultural festivals, featuring performers such as Dave Chappelle, Trevor Noah, and John Legend. The building's amenities and services are designed to support the academic and personal success of Boston University students, with resources such as the Boston University Academic Support Services and the Boston University Counseling Services available on site. The union is also a popular spot for students to relax and socialize, with many taking advantage of the building's lounge areas and game room, similar to those found at New York University and University of California, Berkeley.

● Location

The George Sherman Union is located in the heart of the Boston University campus, within walking distance of many academic and residential buildings, including the Boston University College of Arts and Sciences, the Boston University School of Law, and the Boston University School of Medicine. The building is also conveniently located near public transportation, with the MBTA Green Line and the MBTA Bus system providing easy access to the rest of the city, including Fenway-Kenmore, Allston-Brighton, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. The union's location makes it an ideal spot for students to grab a bite to eat, attend a meeting or event, or simply hang out with friends, with many nearby attractions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Fenway Park.