Balloons lined the rails of the Russell House as students and faculty gathered to celebrate the building's 70th anniversary.
On Oct. 16, a celebration was held on Greene Street at 10 a.m. where students were able to play games, win prizes and decorate their own cookies. Free T-shirts with a design showcasing the anniversary were also available for students.
Fourth-year psychology student Kate Smoak said she enjoyed going to career fairs and attending concerts put on live at the Russell Underground. Smoak said she found a great community at the Russell House and made many great friends.
Second-year advertising student Caroline Smith said she enjoys the Russell House, what it means to the university and its traditions.
At 11:30 a.m., Student Body President Courtney Tkacs, Carolina Productions President Branden Miller and Russell House Director Kim McMahon led a toast to honor the Russell House and its history.
“The building has quietly been the backdrop of everything we’ve done here at the University of South Carolina. Every generation of Gamecocks has its own Russell House memories,” Miller said. “What’s remarkable is that Russell House continues to be the heart of campus, even though campus is evolving every single year.”
McMahon delved into the unique history of the Russell House building, emphasizing the changes the Russell House has faced since the beginning of its history. The Russell House building was built on Melton field, the original location for Gamecock football, McMahon said.
The celebration of the Russell House's anniversary is also a celebration for Donald Russell.
Donald Russell served as university president from 1952 to 1957 and is the Russell House's namesake. Russell passed legislation that allowed the university to fund improvements, which led to the creation of the student union known as Russell House today.
Since 1955, the Russell House has grown from having only one floor to having three different floors with an added space for ballrooms, meeting rooms, dining halls and lounges.
“It was changed because it was the first building that was focused solely on students. It wasn’t a mixed-use building where you ate, slept, learned, socialized and did other things,” McMahon said. “This is where students live, work, play, lead, learn (and) love.”
Tkacs shared her goals to give back to the Russell House because of the impact the building has had on her. She spoke about working with McMahon and students regarding any concerns about the Russell House.
“I’m now the 12th student body president who has been continuing the Russell House expansion project,” Tkacs said. “We created a group of students from each department here in Russell House to make sure we’re hearing about what their needs and wants of the Russell House are.”
Tkacs also said Student Government has helped create three distinct points to focus on for improvement and will be presenting to the Board of Trustees in December of this academic year.
Miller said the 70th anniversary is about celebrating the union's accomplishments in the past, present and future.
“This milestone isn’t about just looking back, it’s about looking forward, seeing what the next 70 years have in store for this Russell House University Union,” Miller said.
At 7 p.m., a band played music outside the Russell House patio as students came to celebrate the Bustle at the Russell event. Different student organizations hosted different events to celebrate the building's anniversary.
On the second floor, Carolina Productions hosted a skating event in the ballroom. Student Government gave out free popcorn and cotton candy in the lounge area. Students were also able to participate in trivia in the Russell House Theater and play mini golf in the Leadership and Service Center.
On the third floor, local business Balloonopolis offered students balloon art, while Healthy Carolina hosted alcohol safety trivia.
While celebrating, students shared their favorite memories at the Russell House from over the years.
Graduate counselor education student Jezzica Avancena said her favorite event held at the Russell House is the Midnight Breakfast event during exam season. Avancena said the Russell House allows her to take breaks during the day.
“Russell House is a bit of a refuge, in between our classes, in between work and everything, you can just chill,” Avancena said.
At 7:30 p.m., students and Russell House staff members gathered to watch President Michael Amiridis and Cocky cut the cake in honor of the Russell House turning 70 years old and in honor of Donald Russell. The crowd sang "Happy Birthday," and wished Cocky a happy birthday as well.