
The Student Union Building (SUB) at the University of New Mexico was constructed during Thomas L. Popejoy's tenure as the university's president, which lasted from 1948 to 1968. Popejoy oversaw a period of major growth for the university, including the construction of numerous new facilities, such as the current student union building, the College of Education complex, the business centre, and the engineering complex, among others. The SUB acts as a community centre for students, staff, and faculty, providing a space for socialising and cultural enrichment, as well as high-tech conveniences and essential services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Construction | 1948-1968 |
| President During Construction | Thomas L. Popejoy |
| Building's Purpose | Acts as a community center for students, staff, and faculty |
| Building's Mission | To maintain the highest standard in support, services, and programming to promote a strong sense of community and student life |
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What You'll Learn
- The Student Union Building (SUB) was constructed during Thomas L. Popejoy's presidency
- The SUB acts as a community centre for students, staff and faculty
- The SUB was the site of a protest against the Vietnam War in 1970
- The SUB was the first student union building at the University of New Mexico
- The SUB is now the anthropology complex

The Student Union Building (SUB) was constructed during Thomas L. Popejoy's presidency
The Student Union Building (SUB) at the University of New Mexico was constructed during Thomas L. Popejoy's presidency. Popejoy was appointed in 1948, becoming the first native New Mexican to serve as university president. During his 20-year tenure, the university underwent a period of significant growth. Notably, enrollment surged from nearly 5,000 to over 14,000 students, and new programs in medicine, nursing, dentistry, and law were established.
The construction of the SUB was part of this expansion. The building serves as a community centre for students, staff, and faculty, fostering a sense of community through various programs and services. It is a place where the UNM community can congregate, socialise, and appreciate diversity.
Thomas L. Popejoy's presidency witnessed the construction of numerous other facilities, including Mesa Vista Hall, Mitchell Hall, Johnson Gymnasium, new dormitories, and the College of Education complex. Additionally, the business centre, engineering complex, Fine Arts Centre, Student Health Centre, University Stadium, and University Arena were established during this period.
The SUB has played a significant role in the history of the University of New Mexico. On May 5, 1970, protestors against the Vietnam War and the Kent State massacre occupied the building. This led to a confrontation with the National Guard, resulting in the arrest and injury of several students and journalists. The SUB continues to be a vital hub for student life and activities at the university.
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The SUB acts as a community centre for students, staff and faculty
The Student Union Building (SUB) at the University of New Mexico was constructed during Thomas L. Popejoy's tenure as university president, which began in 1948. Popejoy, the first native New Mexican to serve as university president, oversaw a period of major growth for the university, including the construction of numerous new facilities.
The SUB's mission is to maintain the highest standard in support, services and programming to promote a strong sense of community and student life. It is a hub for student life, fostering a sense of community through the many programs and services that take place within the building. The SUB is open to UNM students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests, offering a range of amenities and opportunities for engagement and connection.
The SUB has played a significant role in the history of the university, including during the Vietnam War protests in 1970. On May 5 of that year, protestors against the war and the Kent State massacre occupied the SUB. The National Guard was called in, and eleven students and journalists were bayonetted when those outside did not hear the order to disperse. This incident marked a turning point in the university's history, leading to a state of emergency being declared as protests continued and intensified.
Over the years, the SUB has continued to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of the university community. With ongoing expansions and renovations across the campus, the SUB remains a central hub, supporting the university's mission and fostering a sense of community for students, staff and faculty.
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The SUB was the site of a protest against the Vietnam War in 1970
The Student Union Building (SUB) at the University of New Mexico was constructed during Thomas L. Popejoy's tenure as the university's president, which lasted from 1948 to 1968. Popejoy oversaw a period of major growth for the university, with new programs and facilities being established. The SUB was constructed to act as a community centre for students, staff, and faculty, fostering a sense of community and promoting diversity.
On May 5, 1970, the SUB was the site of a protest against the Vietnam War. Protestors against the war and the Kent State massacre occupied the building. In response, the National Guard was ordered to sweep the building and arrest those inside. Unfortunately, this led to a violent incident where eleven students and journalists were bayonetted when those outside did not hear the order to disperse.
The protest at the SUB was part of a broader movement against the Vietnam War that swept across college campuses in the United States during the 1960s and early 1970s. Students played a significant role in the anti-war movement, and college campuses became centres of activism and organising. The SUB, as a hub of student life at the University of New Mexico, would have been a natural gathering place for protestors.
The anti-war protest at the SUB reflected the broader social and political upheaval of the time. The Vietnam War was highly controversial, and many young people in particular were opposed to the conflict. The SUB protest was likely influenced by similar demonstrations at other universities, as well as the broader cultural and political shifts of the era.
The incident at the SUB also highlighted the tensions between authorities and protestors during this tumultuous time. The use of force by the National Guard and the resulting injuries to students and journalists underscored the volatile nature of the era's protests. This event was not an isolated incident, as further protests and clashes occurred at the University of New Mexico in the following years, including the use of tear gas against demonstrators on campus in 1972.
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The SUB was the first student union building at the University of New Mexico
The Student Union Building (SUB) at the University of New Mexico was constructed during the tenure of James F. Zimmerman, the university's seventh president. During this time, the university underwent its first major expansion, with the construction of many new buildings, including the SUB, the Zimmerman Library, Scholes Hall, the university's first gymnasium, and its first stadium. The SUB was the first student union building at the University of New Mexico and it played a significant role in fostering a sense of community among the students, staff, and faculty.
The SUB was designed to be a community center for students, offering a variety of programs and services to enhance student life. It provided high-tech conveniences, essential services, and cultural enrichment to the university community. The building's mission was to promote the highest standards in support, services, and programming, creating an environment that celebrated diversity and a strong sense of community.
The construction of the SUB was part of a larger effort to improve the university's infrastructure and expand its capabilities. During this period, the university also saw an increase in student enrollment and the addition of new departments. The expansion under President Zimmerman marked a significant step forward in the university's development, transforming it into a more vibrant and comprehensive institution.
The SUB has since become a central hub on campus, hosting various events and activities that bring people together. It has been the site of significant moments in the university's history, such as the 1970 protest against the Vietnam War and the Kent State massacre, demonstrating the building's importance as a gathering place for students and a platform for free expression.
Over the years, the SUB has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the university community. Renovations and upgrades have been made to ensure that the building remains a modern and functional space. The SUB's role as a community center has endured, and it remains a vital part of student life at the University of New Mexico, providing a place for connection, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
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The SUB is now the anthropology complex
The University of New Mexico has undergone several expansions and construction projects over the years, with new buildings and facilities added to accommodate the growing student population and evolving academic programs. One notable structure on campus is the Student Union Building (SUB), which was constructed during a period of significant growth and development for the university.
The Student Union Building was built during the tenure of James F. Zimmerman, the university's seventh president, who oversaw the university's first major expansion. Under Zimmerman, the University of New Mexico witnessed the construction of several new buildings, including the first student union building, now known as the anthropology complex. This construction project contributed to the expansion of the campus and enhanced the sense of community for students, offering various programs and services.
The SUB at the University of New Mexico serves as a community center for students, staff, and faculty members. It is a place where they can congregate, socialize, and participate in activities that foster a sense of belonging and diversity appreciation. The building is equipped with high-tech conveniences and provides essential services and cultural enrichment opportunities to the university community. The SUB's mission aligns with the university's goals, aiming to promote the highest standards in support, services, and programming for those who utilize the space.
Over the years, the SUB has played a significant role in student life and has been a site for protests and demonstrations. In 1970, for example, protestors against the Vietnam War and the Kent State massacre occupied the Student Union Building, leading to a confrontation with the National Guard. This incident underscores the importance of the SUB as a hub for student expression and activism on campus.
Today, the SUB continues to be a vital part of the University of New Mexico's infrastructure, providing a space for students, faculty, and staff to connect and engage with one another. The building's transformation into the anthropology complex reflects the university's commitment to academic growth and the ongoing evolution of its facilities to meet the changing needs of the student body and the wider community.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of New Mexico's first student union building was constructed during the tenure of James F. Zimmerman, the university's seventh president.
The current student union building was constructed under Thomas L. Popejoy's presidency, which lasted from 1948 to 1968.
The Student Union Building (SUB) acts as a community center for students, staff, and faculty. It provides a sense of community and student life through the many programs and services that take place within the building.
On May 5, 1970, protestors against the Vietnam War and the Kent State massacre occupied the Student Union Building. The National Guard was called in, and eleven students and journalists were bayonetted.











































