Purdue Memorial Union
Dates
- Existence: 1924-
Historical Information
The original concept for a student union was stated by George O. Hays and the Class of 1912. The proposal asked for a building to serve as an activity center for Purdue students, alumni, and faculty. The Class of 1912 voted for a $5 assessment from each senior to start a fund to erect a home for students, alumni, and faculty activities. Succeeding classes followed the same procedure until the United States entered World War I in 1917. Student, alumni, and campus priorities were re-focused upon the war effort. At the close of the war 4,013 men and women had served their country. Among them were 67 gold stars recipients. The university community decided the Union should stand as a permanent memorial to those who had died. The first phase of construction of the Purdue Memorial Union commenced in 1922; the building opened in 1924. The Memorial Union has underwent subsequent additions and renovations during its existence, yet it has always been a place of remembrance and community for the university.