With the completion of the Student Union Memorial Center rapidly approaching, student union directors have announced plans for a February grand opening that incorporates veterans, international food, films from long ago and children.

Starting with the noon ribbon cutting and official dedication on Feb. 17, there will be celebrations from Feb. 17 to Feb. 22.

After more than three years of construction, the student union will be completely ready for use next semester, officials said.

The union's construction deadline is Dec. 15.

While specific plans for the grand opening week have not been finalized yet, general themes for each day have been outlined, said Dan Adams, director of Arizona Student Unions.

Tuesday, Feb. 18, called "Involvement Day," will be a day of art openings and student showcases, site dedications and entertainment and restaurant specials.

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, "Memorial Day," veterans will be remembered, a time capsule dedicated and "retro" films and music played.

"Diversity Day," on Thursday, Feb. 20, will feature a global food festival, International music and dance, a showcase of flags of nations, worldwide cultural displays and foreign films.

Friday, Feb. 21, will be "Heritage Day," which will have speakers and events about the traditions and history of the UA, Mexican traditional music and food, an American Indian dedication and local rituals.

The week will culminate with Saturday, Feb. 22's, "Community Day," when Arizona Student Unions plan on having a "campus community gathering," family festival, and children's activities.

And there's an ad campaign.

The work of the student employee who designed the logo for the grand opening, studio art senior Misha Harrison, will be exhibited in the Lionel Rombach Gallery, as well as the Art Building this Friday and there will be a reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The student union will be completed and construction workers will be gone by Christmas, said Chris Kraft, Facilities Design and Construction project manager for the Union.

The interior which includes meeting spaces, offices, restaurants, the game room, the Cellar and landscaping are not yet finished, Kraft said.

With things like the ballroom and the theater yet to open, students have been looking at only 40 percent of the eventual student union, Adams said.

"By the time students return from the winter, break all the construction will be done. All the lounges, all the restaurants, the games area and the Cellar will be open," Adams said.

Though Adams has said he's "absolutely sure" construction will be finished by next semester, student union planners have still not allowed events to be scheduled in the student union for next semester yet.