Named in honor of a remarkable Chicagoan, the Cordell Reed Student Union Building stands as a vibrant hub. Let’s delve into the story of this building and the man it commemorates.
The Cordell Reed Student Union Building at Chicago State University is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a place where students gather, connect, and grow. The building houses the Office of Student Activities in Suite 260. Over 60 clubs and organizations call this place home. Among them are the Student Government Association and Fraternity/Sorority Life.
Within the Cordell Reed Student Union Building you will find a computer lab, study area, and lounge. Students and staff can eat and socialize here. There is even a movie room and a game room. Student Activities offers a friendly space. Students can relax and have their needs addressed.
The Rotunda, located within the Cordell Reed Student Union Building, provides excellent lighting. Floor-length windows surround the room. They offer views of the east side of the campus. It’s ideal for small banquets and seated dining. Standing receptions and intimate lectures also occur here. The Rotunda can accommodate 50 to 100 people depending on the setup.
The building is named after Cordell Reed. He was born in Chicago on March 26, 1938. Reed grew up in a South Side housing project. He earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois. He was only the third African American to earn that degree from the school.
Reed then joined Commonwealth Edison or ComEd. He climbed the corporate ladder and became an executive in 1975. He became a public spokesman for nuclear power. In 1994, Reed became ComEd’s ethics officer. He was also the chief diversity officer. He retired in 1997.
Cordell Reed improved methods of producing nuclear electric power. He took existing methods and enhanced them. Commonwealth became the nation’s leading nuclear utility during his time. The company had seven nuclear power plants in operation.
Reed received a Lifetime Achievement award from Black Engineer of the Year Awards in 1988. The American Nuclear Society gave him the Tommy Thompson Award in 1993.
Cordell Reed also served on several boards. These included LaSalle Bank and the Walgreen Company. He contributed to the John G. Shedd Aquarium and other civic organizations. Reed passed away in December 2017.
So as you explore the Cordell Reed Student Union Building remember the legacy of the man whose name it bears. He was an engineer, an executive, and a community leader. This building stands as a testament to his achievements and contributions. It inspires future generations of students at Chicago State University.