Ackerman Union History

The legacy of Ackerman Union from the 1960s until today.

Did you know that Ackerman Union used to have a bowling alley and table tennis? The historical building continues its legacy of student activity and events 63 years after it opened April 3, 1961. The building was named after William C. Ackerman, then-student union executive director, and was filled with recreational areas for students to play sports, rest and shop! Some elements of the student center from the 60’s are still present today. To access the Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) for information on Ackerman Union, click the button below.

In 1961, Ackerman Union was a project meant for modern-day Bruins with a variety of activities. According to the UCLA Alumni Association, the multiple-story building was filled with billiards, a TV lounge and meeting areas, a 10-lane bowling alley, numerous dining areas, a coffeehouse and a grand ballroom (Ackerman Grand Ballroom) for larger events.

Today, the variety of ASUCLA student services continues to be a one-stop destination for Bruins looking for clothes, technology, supplies, coffee, groceries and services, such as the post office, banks and pharmacy. Ackerman Union even holds several lounge areas and Bruin Buzz on A-Level of the building for an easy way to grab a cup of coffee and lounge between classes. However, if students want a more active way to spend their free time, they can check out UCLA’s Bruin Fun Zone, also on A-Level. With fun activities such as table tennis and foosball, as well as more creative activities like arts and crafts, the Bruin Fun Zone includes various games for fun with friends. 

The Ackerman Union as Bruins know it today has expanded over the decades since its opening. With a mix of essential services for students and additional forms of entertainment and dining, Ackerman Union still remains a center for student life at UCLA.