History of the LSC
Future of the LSC
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The LSC’s Mission:
As a student-centered organization at the heart of campus, we provide programs and services that create an inclusive community and inspire active, engaged learning.
Our Mission
As a student-centered organization at the heart of campus, we provide programs and services that create an inclusive community and inspire active, engaged learning.
Commitment to Inclusive Excellence
It will take a collective lift and relentless focus to center inclusive excellence in our everyday work. LSC employees will strive to engage in discussions, create safety in differing viewpoints, and build bridges to transform our community, not simply create a list of transactions. In recognizing that comfort and transformation don’t typically live on the same block, we will strive to build trust, respect, and fairness in our discussions and actions. Diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging work is hard, humbling, and a journey. We will seek feedback and commit to being accountable.
This is Your Lory Student Center at Colorado State University.
Located in the heart of Colorado State University’s campus in Fort Collins, the Lory Student Center, fondly known as the LSC, enjoys a high percentage of sunny days and a breathtaking view of the Foothills. From its inception, the LSC has been a student-centered student center.
Today, this same fervor for student feedback emanates through the rejuvenated building that is standing 50-plus years strong. The LSC is a centralized location for students, staff, faculty, alumni and passersby in their united front as Ram fans.
After World War II, William Morgan set forth plans to prepare the campus for post-war enrollment. Morgan was CSU’s visionary president from 1949–1969. Administrative predictions projected that CSU would more than double in size in 1970. However, CSU met these enrollment markers much earlier in the year 1962. According to an interview conducted by Mike Davis, executive director of alumni relations in 2002, Morgan said the need for a new student union was a big one. CSU based the current location on a Morgan’s desire to create a place for students to gather between classes. Thus, the Lory Student Center would be built between academic buildings and student housing.
On April 9, 1960, the school began construction on the LSC. That same day, seven student leaders were featured in a photo around the “Coming Soon” sign for the up-and-coming student union. Since this historic day, these seven students have gained notoriety as the LSC 7. They demonstrate the importance of that student’s voice at CSU and within its student center. Jim Hindman, Nancy Allen, Nancy Williams, Lory Tyler, Nancy Mitchell, Bill Neighbors and Dennis Repp were among this original LSC 7. These valued members of the CSU community and student body represented the student voice that supported CSU through big changes toward a better future. Most importantly, they demonstrated what it truly means to be a CSU Ram and to further CSU’s aims to maintain a substantial student-centered focus.
Patton Project film premiere to showcase work by Northern Colorado veterans on March 7
Area veterans film a scene with the Patton Project crew in CSU's Adult Learner and Veteran Services office. A special movie premiere, featuring the powerful and impactful work by area
New beer crafted at Ramskeller for Black History Month
Johnny Plastini, left, with John Wilson in the Ramskeller brewery There is a revolutionary new beer on tap at the Ramskeller, and its flavor profile is as diverse and
Filmmaking workshop for veterans coming to CSU Feb. 23-25
Veterans are invited to register for the Patton Veterans Project, a free, three-day film workshop designed to help with posttraumatic stress and social isolation. An innovative workshop created by the
From ground to grind: Local coffee roasters share rich history with CSU
Ricardo Lima watches over roasting operations at Café Richesse. It takes just up to 15 minutes at 420 to 438 degrees to roast a 132-pound sack of green coffee beans.
CSU club involvement nurtures success, connections on campus
Many students find themselves in uncertain situations. Whether a first-year or a transfer, students need to find outlets to make new friends, gain new experiences and put themself out there.
World Unity Fair to showcase global cultures, cuisine and performances
CSU celebrates the 2023 World Unity Fair (Photo: John Eisle, CSU Photography). For nearly seven decades, the World Unity Fair at Colorado State University has been a cherished cultural extravaganza,
Cultural connections: Students learn to lead through strength of relationships
From left, Karen Rodriguez, Sabrina Lahlali, Antonella Torres Peralta and Sam Adhikari at the Circle of Change conference in Carson, California When it comes to nurturing tomorrow’s global leaders, it
Students: Get your ice skates ready for Rams on Ice on Jan. 31
Rams on Ice is back on Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Lory Student Center Plaza. Colorado State University’s Rams on Ice — a winter extravaganza
New firepits enhance LSC’s Sutherland Community Garden
Firepits offer warmth and ambience on a cool December afternoon on the LSC’s west patio near the Sutherland Community Garden. There are a couple of cozy new gathering spots at
Try to tell a Ram not to re-charge: CSU Bookstore selling new reusable batteries
The Colorado State University Bookstore inside the Lory Student Center is selling next-generation rechargeable batteries that the manufacturer says can be charged 1,000 times. Just in time to be stocking
The Lory Student Center Through the Ages
The Swingin’ Sixties
The Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) alongside with Shelton Stanfill who became the director of public events in 1967 sought out to change the face of events at CSU. During this era Fort Collins wasn’t the biggest host for main stage events but not for long. With the recent opening of the student center and Moby Arena, the stage was now set for hosting a wide variety of concerts and cultural programs.Cool Dig
In 1961, CSU provided the first University subsidy to permit the expansion of cultural programs over an entire school year. Soon, the Fine Arts Series, along with other cultural events and presentations sponsored by the Student Center Board and the Associated Student Special Events Board, provided lasting opportunities for cultural enrichment and participation.
The Beat Goes On
In 1969, The Rolling Stones opened their US. Tour in Moby Arena. In 1967, Chicago and the Beach Boys performed at Hughes Stadium. A mystery guest dropped in during the Beach Boys appearance- Elton John arrived by helicopter to take the stage with “The Boys”.
The Disco Era
Groovy. Peace. Far Out.
In 1961, CSU provided the first University subsidy to permit the expansion of cultural programs over an entire school year. Soon, the Fine Arts Series, along with other cultural events and presentations sponsored by the Student Center Board and the Associated Student Special Events Board, provided lasting opportunities for cultural enrichment and participation.
Colorado State University Gets Radical
Notable countercultural icon, Abbie Hoffman delivers a speech to CSU students in 1970. Hoffman, an American political activist in the 1960’s and founder of the Youth International Party (Yippies), was known for his public antics, successful media events and political protests.
The Decade of Decadence
The Lory Student Center turned 25 years old in 1987 and updated its physical profile: adding a new west-facing solarium to the food court (which earlier had replaced a more traditional cafeteria restaurant) and dedicating a new sculpture garden.
Takes the Cake
As part of student center birthday festivities, LSC Food Services quite literally built a cake. To construct the cake, a tasty replica of the LSC, required 17 eight pound sheet cakes and 40 pounds of whipped cream icing. End result? The masterpiece served 1,000 people.
Time Capsule
Another architectural detail included the instillation of a time capsule that was to be opened in 2012. Made of Lexan and approximately four-feet square, the time capsule was filled with five boxes of memorabilia from all over campus.
The Millennial Decade
During the mid-to-late ’90s, students of color approached then President Al Yates to discuss the need for a place to hang out, a place where they could feel welcome and safe on campus. Those discussions with President Yates eventually led to the formation of the advocacy cluster (now Student Diversity Programs and Services), now housed in the LSC.The Flood of ’97
On the evening of July 28, 1997, a flash flood ripped through Fort Collins and the Colorado State University campus without warning. Known as the “Spring Creek Flood of ’97,“ the flash flood resulted from a series of heavy thunderstorms over a two-day period in west Fort Collins. In a matter of hours, normally ankle-deep Spring Creek became a roaring, brown river of mud and debris. Five people drowned south of campus when water swept them from their mobile homes.
Acclaimed African-American Poet Nikki Giovanni Visits CSU
Nikki Giovanni, one of the best-known African-American poets visits CSU in 1994. Frequently anthologized, Giovanni reached prominence during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Giovanni’s poetry expresses strong racial pride and respect for family.
Devastation and Resilience
Two tragedies — one local, one national/international — marked Colorado State University’s passage into the 21st century: the devastating July 1997 flood that inundated CSU’s main campus, and the Sept. 11, 2001, bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City. Both had profound influences on how the campus currently looks, operates, and functions as an increasingly diverse and complex community, addressing the challenges of today and ahead.September 11, 2001
The early 2000’s brought with them momentous changes for both CSU and the nation. The events of 9/11 brought the campus community together to mourn and tackle the complex issues of living in a global society.
Student Affairs professionals, academic programs and private enterprise came together to create a student center environment where students could become engaged and prepared to move into the realities of the 21st century. Along the way, as it has for 50 years, the LSC continues in the strong tradition of its original mission to provide programs, services, and facilities to help create a campus of inclusion, access, opportunity, and optimism.
Rapper Ludacris Performs at CSU
Grammy Award-winning rapper and actor Ludacris performed at CSU on November 18, 2010. Ludacris is best known for his club-banging hits such as ‘Get Back’, ‘Area Codes’ and ‘What’s Your Fantasy’.
The Tweenies Decade
In October of 2011, The Board of Governors approved the revitalization of the Lory Student Center. The project included renovation of 160,000 square feet of the existing Lory Student Center built in 1962, and added approximately 40,000 gross square feet of new space. The three major aspects of the project were to improve the building infrastructure and systems, organize and highlight Student Diversity Programs and Services, and target growth that aligns with the land-grant mission of CSU.LSC Revitalization
The Revitalization of the Lory Student Center began in May of 2013 and it was open again for business by the beginning of the 2014 Fall semester. Milestones of the Revitalization program included:
- An updated Ramskeller featuring a microbrewery and College of Health and Human Sciences classroom focused on the study of fermentation.
- The Lincoln Mural and Land-Grant Wall which pays tribute the history of Colorado State University.
- A renovated LSC Theatre.
- A Research Wall that serves to showcase the research, artistry, talent, and accomplishments of CSU faculty and students.
- A newly renovated Grand Ballroom.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Perform at CSU
Thousands of cheering CSU students and community members flooded onto campus to see Macklemore and Ryan lewis perform. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis headlined the outdoor concert on the heart of the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins. Organizers sold 10,000 tickets to the show, and many more watched from outside the security fences.