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CORVALLIS - Michael Henthorne, director of Oregon State University's Memorial Union, is the new president of the Association of College Unions International Board of Trustees.

Henthorne took office during the association's annual conference in Albuquerque, N.M., this month. His term runs for two years.

"ACUI has been a very important part of my professional life since I first began attending conferences more than 20 years ago," Henthorne said. "I know the value that I've gained. Serving on the board is a way to create value for others, especially younger professionals and student leaders."

The association has served the college union and student activities field since 1914. Its members represent nearly 1,000 campuses worldwide.

At OSU, Henthorne oversees operations of the OSU Memorial Union, which provides services to the campus and community including restaurants, campus information, a convenience store, bowling, billiards, and the OSU Bookstore. The union also provides areas for relaxation and meetings. The first student union in the state, the OSU Memorial Union was built through contributions from students and alumni and was dedicated on June 1, 1929, as a living memorial to "the service and inspiration of the living and the memory of our immortal dead."

"Participating in the ACUI election process, in my opinion, is an obligation of every member, even if it is to simply cast your vote," Henthorne said.

"The decision for me to stand for election as president-elect was influenced by three factors; my knowing that my institution was ready to support my participation, the sense that I can contribute and make a difference and the exciting future for ACUI that has emerged from the recent reorganization."