[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 8, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      IN RECOGNITION OF THE GRAND RE-OPENING OF THE MICHIGAN UNION

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2020

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the grand re-
opening of the Michigan Union.
  The Michigan Union is a cornerstone of the University of Michigan. 
Opened in 1919, the Michigan Union is one of the oldest college unions 
in the country. For nearly a century, the Michigan Union has given 
students, faculty, and members of the Ann Arbor community a space to 
gather, study, and socialize. Throughout the years, the Michigan Union 
has undergone a great deal of transformation and witnessed some of our 
nation's greatest historical moments. On the morning of October 14, 
1960, Democratic presidential nominee John F. Kennedy gave an impromptu 
speech that laid the groundwork for the Peace Corps. Later, during a 
visit to the University of Michigan, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. joined 
students in the Michigan Union to discuss his thoughts on 
discrimination and the future of integration in America. To carry on 
this impactful legacy and adapt to meet the needs of 21st century 
students, the Michigan Union closed in May 2018 to undergo an $85.2 
million renovation.
  Today, we celebrate the Michigan Union as it opens its doors once 
again. While maintaining the architectural integrity of the 1919 
original structure, Michigan Union has vastly remodeled internal 
features. Aside from technology upgrades and infrastructure renewals, 
the Michigan Union now includes expanded lounge and study rooms, a 
revolutionary idea hub, an enclosed courtyard, collaborative spaces, 
and a host of different food vendors.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating 
the grand re-opening of the Michigan Union. Through the historical 
renovation, the Michigan Union will continue to be an iconic symbol of 
the University of Michigan for generations to come.

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