Memorial Union celebrates 86 years
Pictured is the west side of the Memorial Union in 1953. ISU students in the early 1920s raised support for the construction of the Memorial Union to honor students who died in World War I.
September 21, 2014
Iowa State’s Memorial Union is celebrating its 86th birthday Sept. 22.
There will be a birthday bash from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Great Hall.
Free chili, cake and drinks will be provided.
The Memorial Union was opened in September 1928 to be a living memorial for ISU students who died as soldiers in World War I.
Students in the early 1920s rallied support from students and alumni to raise money to construct the building. By 1925, enough money had been raised to begin construction.
There have been 11 additions made to the Memorial Union since the opening.
Today, Gold Star Hall serves as the memorial for ISU students fallen in World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia and the Global War on Terrorism.
