Now Open
Explore the new Resnick Student Union
By Lisa Bell (’95)
Fresno State officially opened the new, state-of-the-art Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Union on Oct. 4 in the heart of campus, just south of the Kennel Bookstore.
The first-floor lobby area includes a grand wooden staircase with modern seating and a retractable projection viewing screen. Guests will be greeted with natural light from the large windows atop the building, as well as lounge areas, dining options and more.
In March 2018, Fresno State students voted to construct a new student union to welcome and accommodate a growing student body on campus. As longtime supporters of Fresno State’s mission to support the San Joaquin Valley’s brightest young minds, philanthropists Lynda and Stewart Resnick, co-owners of The Wonderful Company, pledged $10 million to make this new facility a reality.
The Bank of America Bulldog Welcome Center on the first floor offers tours for prospective students and families, as well as information for students and guests. The center was named in honor of a $250,000 gift from Bank of America.
“This new space is one that’s been sorely needed for many years as our campus population outgrew the capacity of the original student union,” says Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “Together with the Resnicks, this partnership represents a shared commitment to empower students to use their passions to ignite change in our community, and beyond, for years to come.”
Designed to enrich the student experience, the Resnick Student Union serves as a place where students can feel a greater sense of belonging and fulfill the dream of a college education as a pathway to entering the workforce. This interdisciplinary hub provides inclusive and inspiring experiences for students, alumni, community members, faculty and staff, and cultivates an enduring connection to the institution, Jiménez-Sandoval says.
The Wonderful Scholar Center, located on the third floor, is a dedicated gathering space where nearly 300 Wonderful scholarship recipients currently enrolled at Fresno State will receive tutoring and advising support from college-success coaches.
The 84,000-square-foot LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) equivalent, three-story building offers spectacular views overlooking iconic campus locations, such as the Memorial Court Fountain, Clock Tower and Water Tower. A broad red ribbon that spans all three floors is meant to symbolize a student’s growth trajectory at Fresno State.
Several spaces throughout the building have been named for generous philanthropic gifts – including the Bank of America Bulldog Welcome Center, Leon S. Peters Event Plaza, The Ruiz and the Wonderful Scholar Center. Additional dining options at the Resnick Student Union are slated to open in spring 2023.
Take a look at the photos for a taste of what’s inside.
Paying homage to the amphitheater once located here, the Leon S. Peters Event Plaza includes scenic amphitheater-style seating and flexible outdoor space between the Speech Arts and Music buildings. The space connects to an indoor conference space, The Ruiz (named for donor Ruiz Foods) that can accommodate up to 1,200 people.
Top photo: Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval was joined by students, donors and community members to celebrate the opening of the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Union on Oct. 4. In March 2018, students voted to construct a new student union to accommodate a growing student body. Lynda and Stewart Resnick, co-owners of The Wonderful Company, pledged $10 million to help make it a reality.
