CSUSB formally opens Santos Manuel Student Union North
Cal State San Bernardino celebrated the official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Santos Manuel Student Union North, the three-story, 120,000 square-foot, $90 million expansion of the Santos Manuel Student Union on March 17.
The SMSU North consists of a multi-purpose ballroom, which is twice the size of the existing SMSU Conference Center formerly known as the Events Center, an eight-lane bowling alley and game room, a pub, food service and retail space, collaborative spaces for student organizations and support centers, and the Coyote Bookstore.
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Ken Ramirez, chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and great-great grandson of Santos Manuel, shared a few words at the event.
The overall SMSU, which consists of three buildings – SMSU North, SMSU South and SMSU East – is one of the largest building complexes in the 23-campus California State University system named for an indigenous leader, Santos Manuel (Paakuma’ Tawinat), Kiika’ of the Serrano Indians, Yuhaaviatam Clan, who in 1866 led his people to safety following a 32-day campaign of genocide against Native Americans in San Bernardino County. The namesake of the San Manuel Indian Reservation, he is recognized as a community builder who worked to secure lasting peace while defending the sovereignty of his Tribe during a tumultuous period of California’s history.
“When I see this place so full of life, I feel as if I am in the presence of my great-great grandfather Santos Manuel … who was first and foremost a community builder,” said Ken Ramirez, chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
“Now, with this expansion, the Santos Manuel Student Union stands as one of the largest building complexes in the Cal State system named after a tribal leader.”
Steve Relyea, the acting chancellor for the California State University system, praised the tribe for the longstanding support of CSUSB and their efforts to help Native American students. Other speakers included Daisy Ramos, ’22, CSUSB Associated Students Inc. president; Paz Olivérez, vice president for Student Affairs; Sam Sudhakar, vice president of Information Technology Services and acting vice president for administration and finance, along with closing remarks from CSUSB student Julia Ruiz, who serves on the Santos Manuel Student Union Board of Directors.
The ribbon-cutting to the SMSU North concluded the ceremony and was followed by live music, food, tours of the building, games, free bowling and other activities for attendees.
James C. Ramos, ’02, state assemblymember and great-great grandson of Santos Manuel, joined fellow members of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to sing bird songs, an ancient tradition from tribes in Southern California.
