UMass Dartmouth, Office of the Director of Campus Center records

The Campus Center (CC) is a centralized facility designed to house all aspects of recreational and non-academic activities. The CC is located on the eastside of the campus quad adjacent to the Administrative Building. Originally schedule to be completed in September of 1971 and again January 1972; the CC finally opened its doors in March of 1972. The University financed the CC using non-appropriated state funds, in order to meet its financial obligations the decision was made to pass along the cost to the students. Therefore in September of 1973, all incoming students were required to pay a surcharge of $60.00 to support the new CC. An enormous amount of money, when considering tuition at the time was only $125.00 for the entire semester.

The CC falls within the jurisdiction of the Auxiliary Services and Associate Dean of Student Life. Its purpose is to serve the entire University community; a hub for student activities including recreation areas, billiards and arcade areas, campus shop, dining services and the home for student organizations. Originally conceived as an extension of the educational program of the University, a place to train students in social responsibility and leadership. In later years however it became less effective as student activism floundered.

In 1972, a meeting was held between the President of the University, Donald Walker and President of the Student Center, Joyce Goodman of which the CC Board of Governors (BOG) was born. The BOG constitution was based on a model established at Bridgewater State College. The first chair was Robert DiPietro, who also served as the student chairperson for the Concert Series Committee. The second chair of the BOG was Arthur Tebbetts. During the years of 1975, 1976, and 1977, Curt Pollitt served as the chairman. The BOG duties were to review budgets, space allocations, policies, fee recommendations and issues concerning the CC. The BOG worked in concert with the Director of CC, Richard Waring. Together they defined policies, programs and philosophy for the CC. Richard Waring (1973 – 2001) served in this position for 28 years. In 2001, a reorganization of the Campus Center, Student Activities and Auxiliary Services was implemented by Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Diana Hackney, which led to the disband of the BOG and the Campus Center role.

The Summer Cabaret began in 1973, but the Campus Center sponsorship began in 1979 and continued through 2001. This annual summer theatrical series of dramatic and musical performances took place at the auditorium and amphitheater during the months of July and August. Popular musicals like South Pacific and A Funny Thing Happen on My Way to the Forum and dramatic performances like the Unexpected Guest were just some of the plays presented over the years. Angus Bailey, the University’s Theater Director, ran the Summer Cabaret. In 2000, the theater company changed its name to Angus Bailey Players. The Summer Cabaret is also known as the Summer Theatre Festival.