From Past To Present The History of Gatton Student Center
The historic art display in the Great Hall Gallery invites a closer look at the legacy of the Gatton Student Center. Since 1938, the Center has stood at the heart of campus life, capturing generations of student experiences, activities, and traditions.
Architectural History
Originally about a third of its current size, the center has undergone major architectural transformations. In 1963, the student center underwent its first major renovation and expansion, doubling in size to accommodate additional study areas, conference rooms, and essential student services such as a mailing center and bookstore.
A second renovation in 1982 included additional common spaces, a theater for movies and other events. In April 2015, all but the original 1938 section was demolished to make way for a modern student center. Completed in 2018, the new facility incorporated the historic Alumni Gym, originally built in 1924 and used for UK Basketball games until 1950.
One of the most unique parts of its evolution is the architecture itself. The preserved exposed brick and original Great Hall honor the building’s history, while the modern glass reflect a forward thinking, student focused future.
Activities and Events
Since its opening, the Student Center has hosted a variety of campus events, including the "Little Kentucky Derby", which is an annual celebration of the Kentucky Derby race. The Student Center has also been a focal point for homecoming festivities where students have decorated windows around the building for "Paint the Town Blue", which is а campus wide tradition of decorating campus buildings and Greek Life houses to show school pride. More recent events include K-Week, which takes places the week before the school year starts to introduce incoming students to campus.
Bryce Chatwin, a graduate student who curated the From Past to Present art exhibit showcasing the center’s history, reflected on this transformation. “It’s interesting to see which traditions have faded and which ones have evolved. The Student Center’s role has really grown into being the living room of campus, a place where students feel like they belong.”
Student Life
Operating as a space dedicated to the students, it's become the hub of student involvement. As a central gathering place for generations of students on UK's campus, the student center has become a spot for enjoying a relaxing evening of music in the Cats Den, a movie in the theater, or cheering on our sports teams in the Social Staircase.
Student Center Staff
Today, thanks to generations of dedicated employees, the student center continues to be a place of involvement, leadership, and development. From student workers to full-time staff, they all have played a crucial role in shaping the center into a welcoming space for the campus. The contribution of historic Directors such as Frank Harris, Mary Jo Martens, John Herbst, and the more recent leadership have been essential in ensuring the space operates effectively and continues to serve students after more than 8 decades. By collaborating closely with students to create opportunities and develop programming, the Student Center staff has been instrumental in making all students feel at home during their time at the University.
We invite you to explore this historic display in the Great Hall Gallery—an opportunity to walk through the past, appreciate the present, and imagine the future that continues to unfold within these walls.