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Union College Moves to Elizabeth YMCA in 1975

By adminPublished On: May 13, 2026Categories: Civil Rights & Social Movements (1900–1970s)1.2 min read

Submitted by: Prizith Marin

Time Period: Civil Rights & Social Movements (1900–1970s)

In January 1975, Union College (today UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ) relocated its Elizabeth urban campus from 707 So. Broad Street, where it had first opened in 1970, to the Elizabeth YMCA at 124 Madison Avenue. The move represented a continuation of the college’s mission to make a college degree accessible to more of Union County’s residents. The campus continued to enroll and educate students who wanted to earn an associate’s degree. At this location, Union College welcomed nearly 125 students every semester, serving more than 700 students by the Fall semester of 1979.This site also included a “Learning Resource Center” to provide additional support. After a few years, the campus underwent another move to Butler Street, and the building continued to function as a YMCA, today part of the Gateway Family YMCA, that serves Elizabeth families.