The Shortest Distance Between Two Points: Wilson Commons at 50 Years Exhibit
Exhibit Open from March 26 - April 9
Reception: Thursday, March 26 @ 4-6 p.m., Hartnett Gallery
As part of the events celebrating the 50th anniversary of Wilson Commons, an exhibition featuring photographs, architectural drawings, objects--even furniture! --will explore the planning, construction, and lasting impact of the I.M. Pei-designed building at the crossroads of the River Campus.
Wilson Commons 50th Celebration
Date: Thursday, April 2 @ Noon - 3 p.m., Hirst Lounge
Come join University Student Life in Hirst Lounge as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Wilson Commons! This iconic building was designed by the architectural firm of I.M. Pei and opened in 1976. The original marketing of the building said it would stand for 50 years supporting student life. Not only have we reached this goal, but we're prepared to far exceed it! The celebration of reaching this milestone will include cake, a 50th anniversary themed giveaway item, and more!
Late Night Photo Frames
Date: Friday, April 3 @ 9 - 11:55 p.m., Hirst Lounge
Step into Late Night Photo Frames and celebrate 50 years of memories by creating one of your own. Design a custom frame, then snap a photo on-site. You can recreate a classic shot of the building or make a new one worth remembering. Whether it’s with friends or just a moment you want to keep, this is your chance to capture where you are right now while recognizing everything that’s come before.
Supplies and Photo Props are provided. While supplies last.
Dining Specials
Dates: 3/30 - 4/03
- Secret Menu @ Starbucks
70s- The 1976 Latte: Honey Cinnamon Latte
A warm honey latte with cinnamon topping—simple, cozy, and inspired by the decade Wilson Commons first opened its doors.80s- The 80s Remix: Iced White Mocha Shaken Espresso with raspberry syrup
A bold throwback combo—white mocha and raspberry shaken over ice and topped with whipped cream. Sweet, colorful, and totally 80s.90s- The Commons Celebration Frappuccino: Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with strawberry puree and whipped cream
A festive Vanilla Bean Frappuccino swirled with strawberry puree and topped with whipped cream—our birthday cake–inspired drink for 50 years of Wilson Commons.00s- The 2000s Pop: Strawberry Açaí Lemonade Refresher
A bright and fruity refresher shaken with lemonade—vibrant, energetic, and made for a new millennium.Now- The Golden 50: Blonde Vanilla Latte with caramel drizzle
A smooth Blonde Vanilla Latte finished with caramel drizzle. Add your own golden sugar sprinkles to celebrate 50 years of Wilson Commons bringing the community together.
- Squealy Gobbler at the Pit
The Squealy Gobbler was available in the Wilson Commons Pit only for a few years in the mid-to-late-1990s. Its ingredients and preparation were a University Archives mystery that only alumni from that era could solve. A Facebook query posted by Alumni Relations sparked a sizzling online conversation in 2022, with the sandwich described by Peter Schenck ’96 as “Turkey, ham, cheddar on the grill, then onto a sub roll with BBQ sauce. . . Squealy (ham) Gobbler (turkey) . . .”