VCU news

By Colleen Flynn
VCU Communications and Public Relations

It’s 1984, and the movies “Footloose,” “Ghostbusters” and "The Karate Kid” are box office hits. People are sporting day-glo fashions, big hair, stonewashed jeans and leg warmers, while dancing to new artists such as Madonna and Prince. The question on everyone’s mind: “Where’s the beef?”

The year also saw the opening of the Virginia Commonwealth University Student Commons, finally allowing all members of the VCU community to come together in one common, shared space.

Upon opening, the Commons was more than 69,000 square feet and featured a large staircase, glass atrium, 350-seat theater and modern architecture. In the years to come, the Commons would expand to approximately twice this size.

Phase 2 began on the Commons in March 1991, which increased its size to more than 120,000 square feet. Phase 2 was completed in January 1993.

Finally in 2002, as VCU’s student population had grown to more than 25,000, a third and final phase of expansion began. The university held a three-day grand opening celebration upon completion in April 2004.

“The Commons was born in the '80s and we are going to celebrate '80s style all year long,” said Justin Castonguay, event coordinator.

In January, a birthday party for the Commons was held in the Virginia Ballrooms featuring party games, raffles, movies and music from the '80s. Castonguay says to expect many more '80s-themed events throughout the year.

This fall the University Student Commons & Activities Committee plans to hold an '80s cocktail party for VCU alumni and former Commons employees.

“We want to try and locate as many past employees as possible,” said Castonguay. Proceeds collected from the event will go to the University Student Commons 25th Anniversary Scholarship Fund benefiting a student worker from the Commons. 

For more information about upcoming events at the Commons, visit http://www.usca.vcu.edu/calendars/.