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Front facade of the Sadler Center with a round extension on the left and road in front
Sadler Center
Dedication: 1994
Previous Name: University Center
Rededicated as the Sadler Center: 2008
Named for: Sam Sadler
Map it for me

The University Center was renamed the Sadler Center in honor of Sam Sadler, class of 1964, M.Ed. 1971. The name change was announced during the College of William & Mary's commencement ceremony on May 11, 2008.

To make way for the new building, Lodges 1,3,5 were demolished. The building was dedicated as a $12.5 million student activities building in 1994. The building opened in January 1994. Comedian and actor Adam Sandler was the first headline act to perform in the venue in January. There was a De La Soul concert in April 1994.

The Soaring Eagle statue comprised of two eagles in flight stacked vertically

"Located at 200 Stadium Drive, adjacent to Zable Stadium, today the three-story complex houses everything from the Commonwealth Auditorium - the College's largest auditorium after Phi Beta Kappa Hall -- to a number of multi-purpose rooms used by students, faculty and staff. It also is home to one of the College's largest dining halls as well as the student post office, retail and recreation space." The new Cohen Career Center is adjacent to the Sadler Center. David Turner's Soaring Eagle sculpture is in the atrium.

In the News

Interior of the Sadler Center with skylight above and circular stairwell in the center of the main atrium
Sadler Center Interior

Material in the Special Collections Research Center

  • "Buildings and Grounds--University Center," University Archives Subject File Collection, Special Collections Research Center, Earl Gregg Swem Library, William & Mary.
  • Colonial Echo yearbook.
  • The Flat Hat (FH) is the student newspaper of the College of William & Mary. Back issues are available online from Swem Library via the William & Mary Digital Archive. The back issues are unfortunately not fully searchable, but can be browsed by date. The Alumni Gazette (AG) and the William & Mary News (WMN) are available in Swem Library on microfilm or in paper form in the Special Collections Research Center in Swem Library. Until the 2001/2002, staff indexed The Flat Hat as well as the Alumni Gazette and the William & Mary News by subject and by personal name. This index is available as a card file in Swem's Special Collections. The cards for the heading "University Center" are were transcribed and follow:
    • Study says center construction may pose ecological hazards to campus FH, 12/7/1990, 5.
    • Plans for center upheld FH, 1/25/1991, 1, 6.
    • Not the time for the new Center FH, 1/25/1991, 4.
    • Assembly hears center debate FH, 2/1/1991, 1 (picture).
    • SA Council addresses Center's ecological impact FH, 2/8/1991, 1, 6.
    • Student Association aims to block new Center FH, 4/26/1991, 2.
    • Land for center cleared FH, 8/30/1991, 1, 5 (picture).
    • Construction underway AG, June 1992, 11 (picture).
    • Center of attention WMN, 8/28/1992, 1 (picture).
    • Firm faults new center FH, 9/4/1992, 1, 6.
    • Marriott ponders service changes FH, 11/6/1992, 1, 2.
    • College considers plans for use of University Center FH, 11/6/1992, 1, 6 (picture).
    • Students denied space FH, 1/29/1993, 5 (picture).
    • Center will not mar graduation in May FH, 2/5/1993, 2.
    • University Center, Conference Services offer Jobs WMN, 5/17/1993, 5.
    • Pick programs FH, 4/2/1993, 16.
    • Construction Projects: Site work begun WMN, 9/4/1991, 1, 2.
    • College awards Center contract FH, 1/17/1992, 1, 4.
    • Work to begin on University Center WMN, 1/22/1992, 1 (picture).
    • Ground is broken for New University Center WMN, 2/12/1992, 1 (picture).
    • Students mourn for trees FH, 2/21/1992, 1, 4 (picture).
    • An improved university AG, Winter 1992, 1-4 (picture).
    • Two new buildings meet space demands AG, Sept. 1993, 11 (pictures).
    • Flames threaten completion FH, 8/3/1993, 1, 5 (picture).
    • Center slated to open FH, 9/3/1993, 1, 5.
    • HACE members tour new University Center WMN, 8/18/1993, 1 (picture).
    • SA makes plans to use University Center FH, 9/24/1993, 8.
    • Post Office will move to University Center WMN, 10/13/1993, 2.
    • University Center not a part of festivities FH, 10/22/1993, 1, 6 (picture).
    • Opening date delayed FH, 11/12/1993, 1 (picture).
    • University Center nears completion WMN, 11/17/1993, 3.
    • University center update AG, Dec. 1993, 22 (picture).
    • Grand opening scheduled WMN, 1/12/1994, 8 (picture).
    • SAC your site FH, 12/3/1993, 9 (picture).
    • College celebrates opening of University Center WMN, 1/26/1994, 1, 6 (picture).
    • Adam Sandler christens the Chesapeake FH, 1/28/1994, 11, 12 (picture).
    • The Connell's set the stage FH, 1/28/1994, 11, 12 (picture).
    • UC opens amid festivities FH, 1/28/1994, 3, 7 (picture).
    • College courts convenience FH, 2/4/1994, 9 12.
    • Be kind, rewind: rival renters rumble FH, 2/11/1994, 9 (picture).
    • UC programs FH, 2/11/1994, 21.
    • Students' X-change opens FH, 2/11/1994, 16.
    • Jazz FH, 2/18/1994, 17.
    • Mystic Theatre presents 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead' WMN, 2/23/1994, 3.
    • Al Sharpton to be Black History Month speaker WMN, 2/23/1994, 3.
    • Marriott hosts catering showcase WMN, 2/23/1994, 7.
    • Open for business AG, March 1994, 3.
    • Copy Connection WMN, 3/9/1994, 3.
    • Outrage spares U. C. FH, 3/25/1994, 6.
    • Gay Rights spark debate FH, 3/25/1994, 9, 11. (picture).
    • Gray-Ward her soul is a witness FH, 3/25/1994, 9, 10.
    • In a handbasket... FH, 4/15/1994, 5 (picture).
    • Dedication FH, 4/22/1994, 2.
    • College officially dedicates University Center WMN, 5/4/1994, 10 (picture).
    • Quit hanging around... FH, 9/2/1994, 9 (picture).
    • UCAB makes progress in programming FH, 9/9/1994, 9.
    • Carol Weinberg set to lecture on College women's issues FH, 9/23/1994, 9.
    • UC TVs set for college network FH, 10/14/1994, 2 (picture).
    • Comedian George Wallace to perform FH, 10/14/1994, 5 (picture).
    • Plastic Covers replace table tents FH, 10/14/1994, 5 (picture).
    • Velocity girl speeds toward UC concert FH, 10/14/1994, 9, 10 (picture).
    • UC Cafe revises alcohol policy FH, 10/21/1994, 4.
    • SA, UCAB kick d'funk FH, 10/21/1994, 10.
    • Rathskeller will serve beer on all days but Thursday FH, 10/28/1994, 6.
    • Target Vision FH, 10/28/1994, 19.
    • Marriott clarifies policy on alcohol service at UC Cafe FH, 11/11/1994, 6 (picture).
    • UCAB receives funding: social planning shifts from SA FH, 11/18/1994, 3.
    • SA presents award to Activities Board FH, 1/27/1995, 2.
    • Band Everything to play at the Cafe FH, 1/27/1995, 9, 10.
    • Bash welcomes students back FH, 1/27/1995, 9, 11 (picture).
    • Anton coming to Cafe FH, 1/27/1995, 9, 15 (picture).
    • 'Everything' says it all FH, 2/3/1995, 9 (picture).
    • Latin American Ambassadors gather WMN, 2/8/1995, 1, 2.
    • A taste of Asia FH, 3/31/1995, 14.
    • UCAB sponsors Darwin Debate FH, 4/7/1995, 7, 14 (picture).
    • Prankster hangs suspicious sign FH, 4/7/1995, 8 (picture).
    • In 'Our Own Words' features stories by and about women FH, 4/7/1995, 14.
    • Student X-change to retain current form FH, 4/14/1995, 5.
    • Shannon Worrell flashes grin at Cafe FH, 4/14/1995, 7 (picture).
    • Doors to be replaced FH, 4/21/1995, 4.
    • UCAB offers spot with Pat and Vanna FH, 4/21/1995, 7, 10.
    • Opens after brief shut down FH, 8/25/1995, 2.
    • Betty Shabazz encourages leadership FH, 10/27/1995, 7, 11 (picture).
    • Athens band plays Cafe FH, 11/3/1995, 11.
    • Town meeting examines future of peace process WMN, 11/15/1995, 1 (pictures).
    • Students monitor college buildings Fh, 2/2/1996, 9.
    • Activities Board presents comedian Mike Brennan FH, 2/2/1996, 17.
    • Beyond the call of duty WMN, 2/7/1996, 3 (picture).
    • Banjo Player Mark Wallace wins locally in UC sponsored show, and regionally FH, 2/9/1996, 7, 10.
    • College and University Computers assist in installation of computer network FH, 9/20/1996, 1, 2.
    • Gunshots stump police FH, 9/20/1996, 1, 2.
    • Warners spar over education issues WMN, 10/2/1996, 1, 2 (picture).
    • Pat Choate calls for reform WMN, 10/2/1996, 1 (picture).
    • Choate talks politics FH, 10/4/1996, 1, 5 (picture).
    • Warner, warner draw crowd for University Center debate FH, 10/4/1996, 1, 5 (picture).
    • Home Brew serves up fresh talent in a relaxed atmosphere FH, 11/1/1996, 7 (picture).
    • Rapoport masters talent act, heads to national contest FH, 11/8/1996, 5, 6.
    • 'River' runs through Caf' FH, 2/16/1996, 9, 13.
    • Jewish folk band rouses UC crowd FH, 3/29/1996, 8 (picture).
    • Students party Caribbean style FH, 4/5/1996, 9.
    • Hitting the books FH, 4/12/1996, 9 (picture).
    • Members of UCAB-new and old FH, 4/19/1996, 13.
    • BFSF/HACE showcase area talent WMN, 5/16/1996, 3 (picture).
    • Board Sponsors 'Second City' FH, 2/21/1997, 11, 12.
    • Marriott serves up new hours for early evening eaters FH, 9/5/1997, 1, 5 (picture).
    • Hypnotist puts spell on College FH, 9/5/1997, 7, 8 (picture).
    • Alpha Bits: Hypnotist offensive FH, 9/5/1997, 7, 8 (picture).
    • Chicago's Second City delights with SNL hopefuls FH, 4/17/1998, 7, 8 (pictures).
    • Sponsors last day of classes bash FH, 4/24/1998, 7 (picture).
    • Aramark serves up food contract FH, 5/1/1998, 1, 6.
    • Home-brewed music at Lodge 1 FH, 5/1/1998, 11.
    • Aramark adds new flavor FH, 8/28/1998, 1, 6 (picture).
    • Symposium showcases undergrad research WMN, 9/3/1998, 3.
    • UCAB sponsors mind reader Craig Karges FH, 9/4/1998, 9 (picture).
    • UCAB sponsors a lot of hot air WMN, 9/17/1998, 1 (picture).
    • Hypnotist Tom DeLuca hilarious FH, 9/18/1998, 12.
    • New late night option on campus FH, 9/25/1998, 1, 5 (picture).
    • Hello Dave, Speakeasys, play at Lodge FH, 11/20/1998, 7, 10 (picture).
    • Student, faculty jazz groups please audiences FH, 11/20/1998, 14 (picture).
    • UCAB changes schedule FH, 1/29/1999, 9, 11.
    • Comedian takes off pants, wows Lodge 1 audience FH, 2/12/1999, 13, 14.
    • Carbon Leaf joins with Gibb Droll FH, 2/19/1999, 7, 8 (pictures).
    • Second City returns for more laughs FH, 2/19/1999, 13, 14 (picture).
    • Rope as an instrument of war the focus of movie screening at Balkan Conference WMN, 4/1/1999, 2 (picture).
    • Broken big-screen TV disappoints students FH, 4/23/1999, 4 (picture).
    • Technology panel debates taxation on internet WMN, 6/24/1999, 1, 5 (pictures).
    • UCAB presents Everything in concert FH, 8/27/1999, 7, 8 (picture).
    • SA, UCAB bring big bands to Bash FH, 8/27/1999, 7-8.
    • Tom DeLuca performs FH, 9/10/1999, 12 (picture).
    • DeLuca strikes again FH, 9/24/1999, 19, 20 (picture).
    • Lowery's act hardly thrilling FH, 9/24/1999, 23.
    • UCAB provides Tom Petty tickets FH, 10/1/1999, 6.
    • SA proposes to combine efforts with UCAB FH, 11/12/1999, 1, 6.
    • Game show classic, UCAB style FH, 11/12/1999, 9.
    • Panel discusses human rights FH, 11/12/1999, 6 (picture).
    • UCAB goes with Dixie Cadillacs FH, 11/19/1999, 9, 10.
    • Benefit concert features Spoonless Buddy System FH, 11/19/1999, 15, 17 (pictures).
    • Food Court all you can eat FH, 1/21/2000, 1.
    • UCAB kicks off semester with video-making program FH, 1/21/2000, 7.
    • Java jams FH, 2/11/2000, 7, 10 (pictures).
    • Murder's the name of the game at UCAB FH, 2/11/2000, 10 (picture).
    • Unplugged sets display talents FH, 2/18/2000, 13, 15 (pictures).
    • UCAB proves it's hip to be squared FH, 2/25/2000, 6, 8 (picture).
    • Emmy Gay at Lodge 1 FH, 2/25/2000, 10, 11 (picture).
    • Poet Steve Colman "slams" into Lodge 1 stage FH, 3/24/2000, 6, 8 (picture).
    • Cracker plays outdoor Bash FH, 9/1/2000, 7, 9.
    • Barry Williams gives "Growing Up Brady: I was a Teenage Greg," lecture FH, 9/15/2000, 7.
    • Share starlit poetry FH, 9/15/2000, 8.
    • Computer store closes on campus FH, 9/22/2000, 1, 2.
    • UCAB's great Dane FH, 9/22/2000, 13, 15 (picture).
    • Delectable delicacies FH, 11/17/2000, 1 (picture).
    • Skanking for a cure FH, 12/1/2000, 8, 9 (pictures).
    • UCAB sponsors on-campus events FH, 8/30/02, 9, 11.
    • Rocking the College FH, 9/6/02, 7, 9 (pictures).

 

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Questions? Have ideas or updates for articles you'd like to see? Contact the Special Collections Research Center at spcoll@wm.edu or 757-221-3090.

A note about the contents of this site

This website contains the best available information from known sources at the time it was written. Unfortunately, many of the early original records of William & Mary were destroyed by fires, military occupation, and the normal effects of time. The information in this website is not complete, and it changes as we continue to research and uncover new sources.