The new student union opened its doors on August 7, 2006, giving faculty and staff their first look into the initial phase of the newest place on campus to hold a meeting, meet a friend for coffee, grab a quick bite to eat, or mingle with other campus community members.

The morning event began with short speeches from Vice President for Student Life Rebecca Mills, UNLV President David Ashley, and Student Body President Jeff Panchavinin respectively. The festivities continued with a burst of balloons, lively music, and an extravagant breakfast featuring some of the union’s new eateries.

Here are some images from the morning event. Click on an image for a larger view.

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Food vendors get ready to showcase their menu to first time guests of the new union.

Students decorate the walls for a festive work environment on move in day.

Vice President for Student Life Rebecca Mills gives attendees some background on the new facility and that it was built "for students, by students."

Now that the first phase of the union is open, students will enjoy new eateries and a Starbucks, state-of-the-art conference facilities, lounges, and student organization office space.

In one of his first appearances, UNLV President David Ashley addresses the campus community and introduces Student Body President Jeff Panchavinin.

Student Body President Jeff Panchavinin gave a short speech before the balloons behind the podium burst, celebratory music played, and the doors to the new union opened.

UNLV’s Mascot Hey Reb welcomed excited, first time visitors into the union.

At breakfast, you'll get a taste of some of the new and delicious campus eateries.

Hundreds of attendees enjoyed breakfast in the food court before touring the building.