The Viking Union celebrates its 50th birthday this year with a week of events, activities, food and giveaways on the campus of Western Washington University. The Viking Union has for 50 years been a gathering place for the Bellingham community and as the center for student and campus life at WWU. The VU, which opened in 1959, houses the Associated Students Board of Directors, a variety of Associated Students programs, the VU Gallery, KUGS and other offices and services of Western.