The Culture Center was conceptualized in the Spring of 1969 through the efforts of the Afro-American Collegiate Society and its diverse membership. From 1969 through 1972 the Division of Student Affairs, Multi-Cultural Affairs Department labored to devise an educational philosophy and a financial base of support which would sustain a culture center. In 1973-74 an “agreement” was devised which pledged the University support to maintain a cultural pluralistic facility. This structure was to be known as the “University of Nebraska’s Culture Center”. Its primary purpose was to function as an organizational unit (coordinated through the Multi-Cultural Affairs Department) oriented toward interests of all ethnic minorities and low-income group lifestyles and their contributions to society. This purpose is to be achieved through the efforts of student organizations’ and recognized university offices’ participation in and sponsorship of functions which foster a greater appreciation for, understanding of and responsiveness toward minorities and low-income out-of-class experiences. The Culture Center was to be supportive of those educational involvements which aid responsible publics in creating, organizing, designing, innovating and sponsoring meaningful out-of-class experiences geared toward this community.

Many historical and controversial nuances surround the developing culture center. These influences for many will serve as a quick introduction and orientation the complex world of decision-making and problem solving. Exposure to such factors is intended to influence the character and challenge the citizenship skills of students and University officials. This reality makes the Culture Center an invaluable learning experience and educational challenge to all members of this university community. Therefore, it is hoped that people with a special interest in students will choose to participate in the Culture Center as a phase of their university education and development. The continuous existence of such a center as a university-wide learning vehicle is partially dependent upon the creative manner in which the community chooses to utilize the facility’s existing space. The other vitally important growth dimension is the routine level of financial support which the University of Nebraska issues to maintain the center’s operational and programmatic needs. The Culture Center is perceived by many as the last domain through which Black, Chicano and Native American students may creatively use their input to develop an environment which reflects their cultural consciousness and social interest within this campus community.

The University of Nebraska Culture Center was housed in a “temporary” facility at 1012 N. 16th Street from 1969-1985. The Center offered meeting, study and lounging space, and programs of interest to campus minority students. In February 1985, the Nebraska Union Board approved plans to move the Center into the Commonplace Building at 333 N. 14th Street.  The new space offered the same things as the old facility, but had a “chance to grow.” The Culture Center has remained in the Commonplace Building since its move in 1985.

Plans are currently underway for the new Jackie D. Gaughan Multicultural Center. Construction of the $8.7 million center, to adjoin the east side of the Nebraska Union, will begin in the Summer of 2008. As tentatively planned, the center will open in early 2010 with three floors and 30,000 square feet of space, to include student lounges, computer lab, meeting rooms and a large multi-use area. It will also include student offices, tutoring rooms and space for faculty, staff and students dedicated to diversity and multicultural programming, such as the staff of the Office of Academic Support and Intercultural Services.