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Often called the atrium, this structure provides students with an alternative to cafeteria dining. A Chick-Fil-A, Li'l Dino Subs, and Coffee House are inside, as well as meal selections and a campus convenience store. It also contains the Erdahl-Cloyd Theater. Formerly the student union, the building is named after two former administrators in Student Affairs, Gerald Orlando Theodore Erdahl and Edward Lamar Cloyd.

Erdahl became director of the Student Union from 1949-1961 after he had developed a student union in Wisconsin that was famous among the nation's universities. He helped NC State faculty members to form their own club and originated the Friends of the College Concert Series. In addition, he wrote a widely circulated column on philosophy, was a cartoonist, and served as president of the American Association of College Unions. The slogan, "There's a Ford in Your Future," is one that Erdahl coined in a contest he won for the Ford Motor Company's advertising campaign. A former Air Force captain, Erdahl served in the European Theater during World War II.

E. L. Cloyd, a 1915 alumnus, served NC State for 36 years as Dean of Students. Aware of the national movement toward establishing and building student unions, Cloyd was the impetus behind the movement at State. During his undergraduate years, he represented the college in interstate debating and in various musical organizations. As Dean, his interest in student involvement was evident in his work with all student organizations on campus, particularly the Interfraternity Council.