Student Health Center

Student Health services became a priority for the University during the administration of Chancellor Gustavson in the 1940s . Students complained of the disorganized health services offered in rooms in the antiquated Pharmacy Building. Gustavson was concerned about the welfare of students in general, and their health in particular. In 1947 Gustavson reorganized health services and hired a medical director. A two story military surplus temporary building was remodeled to house student medical services. It was located in the heart of campus on the mall north of Social Sciences Hall (now CBA). This temporary facility served until the opening of the new Student Health Center in 1958.

The Health Center was designed to provide all medical services except major surgical procedures. It was directed by Dr. Samuel Fuenning who worked with administrators and architects to develop the building plans. Fuenning visited new student health facilities at many other Universities before plans for the center were finalized. The building was designed by Steele, Sandham, and Steele, of Omaha, a firm that had recently completed design work on the new Agronomy Building on the agricultural campus.

The Health Center was financed with student fees. Students had willingly supported the construction of the Student Union in the late 1930s with fees. Their dissatisfaction with health services led them to support the use of fees once more, for the construction of the Health Center, as well as an addition to the Union. Fees were increased by $5 each semester, beginning in 1950, to improve services, and another $5 each semester beginning in 1956 to fund the Health Center.

In the 1980s the Student Health Center underwent a $3 million dollar remodeling and expansion. Enrollment when the Center was constructed was approximately 8000; in 1985 enrollment was over 22,000. The expansion added an additional 20,000 square feet to the Center, increasing it to nearly 46,000 square feet.