Ground was broken for the University Center, located at the corner of Moore Avenue and Seventh Street, at Homecoming in October, 1969. In August of 1971, the University Bookstore, formerly located in the Carnegie Building, was opened on the ground floor. On October 9, the Roy Grier Bostwick Memorial Dining Hall, which occupied the entire first floor, was dedicated. It was named in honor of Roy G. Bostwick, Trustee from 1919 to 1940 and Chairman of The Board from 1941 to 1947. The Bison snack bar, moved from Seventh Street, was located on the Mall across from the Bookstore.

In 1983, the Bucknell Art Gallery, located on the third floor, was formally opened, as was the Terrace Room, a dining facility on the second floor where Walls Lounge, the Forum and the Scullery were also located. The offices of Student Life and Residential Life moved to the third floor from Marts Hall. In 1985, the Bullseye, a game room located next to the Bison, was established.

In May of 1990, the University Center was formally named the Elaine Langone Center, a surprise gift for the wife of Trustee Ken Langone, Class of 1957, and major benefactor of the Campaign for Bucknell. A plaque and portrait of Mrs. Langone was placed in Arches Lounge, which is located on the third floor.