Alumni Memorial Union: A Legacy of Remembrance and Community
The Alumni Memorial Union stands as a testament to Iowa State University's commitment to honoring its fallen heroes and fostering a vibrant campus community. Conceived in the aftermath of World War I, the Union has evolved over the decades, adapting to the changing needs of students, faculty, and alumni while remaining true to its original purpose as a living memorial.
From Idea to Reality: The Genesis of a Memorial
The concept of a memorial to the Iowa Staters who had died in World War I was developed soon after the end of the war itself in 1918. In the wake of the First World War, the Iowa State community sought a way to commemorate the sacrifices of its members. Numerous ideas were proposed, ranging from a simple bronze plaque to a more elaborate grotto or gateway arch. However, a group of students advocated for a "living memorial," a building that would serve the college while preserving the memory of those who were lost.
In June 1920, students, faculty, and alumni reached a consensus, initiating a fundraising campaign for the building. From 1923 to April 1925, lengthy discussions were held regarding the choices for the building's location. In 1926, the Des Moines, Iowa architecture firm, Proudfoot Rawson & Souers, was contracted and a basic design by William T. Proudfoot was accepted by the Memorial Union Board.
A Building Takes Shape: Construction and Early Years
Construction began, and on September 23, 1928, the first cafeteria line was opened, marking a significant milestone in the Union's development. The next day, Memorial Union and Alumni Association administrators occupied their offices. The original 1928 building comprised the main five-story section, including the Great Hall, its adjacent east and west areas, and the Gold Star Hall to the north.
The original design shows the north face of the building much as it looks today, however it was not completed until 1965. The building employs a classical style of architecture reflecting Greek and Roman influences. The building's design specifically complements the designs of the major buildings surrounding the University's Central Campus area, Beardshear Hall to the west, Curtiss Hall to the east, and MacKay Hall to the north. Sir H.J. The original building was designed by architect, William T. Proudfoot.
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Expansion and Adaptation: Meeting the Needs of a Growing Community
As the university grew, so did the demands on the Memorial Union. In 1938, an addition to the south of the building provided much-needed space. This expansion included the South Ballroom, the Pine Room, the original bowling alley in the basement, and an expanded Commons area.
The next addition in 1948, again extended south, allowing for eight additional bowling lanes, the first section of the terraces, and improved food service areas on the first floor. In June 1950, work began again, this time on the northwest corner of the building. This area included the west terraces, the areas currently known as the Pride Lounge and the New Student Programs office, and the Chapel and Browsing library. The Sun Room and old Bookstore areas were added in 1957-58.
The northeast corner, while part of the original design, was added in 1964-65, creating the Campanile Room, the Cardinal Room, and the former Regency Room (currently a ladies restroom), the East Student Office Space, and the Pioneer Room. In 1972, increased demands on the food service areas and the bookstore led to a southeast expansion. This addition included new mechanical offices and expanded kitchen and bookstore storage and sales areas as well as a new service dock with improved truck access. The southeast wing was completed in 1978-79, with the addition of two more floors.
Gold Star Hall: A Sacred Space of Remembrance
The memorial envisioned by the students of Iowa State is embodied in the limestone walls and stained glass windows of the Gold Star Hall. Located at the north entrance of the Memorial Union, the hall is named after a military tradition started in World War I. When a family had a son or daughter in service, they hung Service Flags or cards with a blue star for each child in their window.
The Gold Star Hall opened in 1928, carved on the walls were the names of Iowa Staters who had died in World War I. Although the Gold Star Hall opened its doors in 1928, the final piece of the original design was not installed until 1943. Twelve stained glass windows were planned, but due to lack of funds, clear glass was installed in 1928. In March 1942, a committee was appointed to ensure the installation of the stained glass windows. The committee drafted up the concept for the windows and chose the artist, Harold W. Cummings, a member of the Iowa State Class of 1918 and World War I Veteran, took over the work of the committee and designed the windows from their concept.
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Each window is designed around one of twelve "homely virtues" for each window-Learning, Virility, Courage, Patriotism, Justice, Faith, Determination, Love, Obedience, Loyalty, Integrity, and Tolerance. The main themes are evidenced in the center panel medallions (A, B, and C) of each window. The top semicircular panel of each window depicts one of three emblems, the Dove of Peace, the American Eagle, and the Iowa State Campanile.
Traditions and Symbolism: Enduring Elements of the Union
In his original designs for the Memorial Union, W.T. Proudfoot incorporated the symbols of the Zodiac into the north entrance floor. The plans called for the bronze symbols to be raised from the surface of the floor. Proudfoot's intended that as each visitor to the Memorial Union walked over the symbols, they would be worn down until they were even with the floor's surface, therefore each visitor would be able to leave their mark on the Memorial Union.
Unfortunately for W.T. Proudfoot, by 1929, the students had decided that stepping on the Zodiac would mean failing their next test. Luckily for students, in 1937, the cure to the "curse" was donated by the VEISHEA Committee. The curse says that any student who steps on the Zodiac can cure the curse by throwing a coin into the Fountain of the Four Seasons, located on the north side of the Memorial Union.
Located, symbolically, directly below the Gold Star Hall, the Browsing Library and Chapel were constructed in 1959 from W.T. Proudfoot's original design. In addition to the quotations engraved within the Gold Star Hall, the west entrance of the Memorial Union features a number of other quotations. Over the door to the north of the west entrance vestibule is a quotation by M.J. Riggs, Iowa State Class of 1883, and first president of the Memorial Union Board. M.J.
A Hub of Activity: The Union Today
Today, the Alumni Memorial Union continues to serve as a central hub for campus life. It provides a space for students to study, socialize, dine, and participate in a wide range of activities. The Union also houses various offices and services, supporting the academic and personal development of students.
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In 2005, the Alumni Memorial Union and the Office of Mission and Ministry purchased twelve portraits from Michael Collopy's Architects of Peace project to display in the second floor south hallway. In many of the meeting rooms in the Alumni Memorial Union, crucifixes from across the globe are featured on the wall. With an award from the Simmons Religious Commitment Fund in 2006, the AMU was able to purchase nineteen crucifixes from various parts of the world ranging from Russia to El Salvador to Kenya to display throughout the building. The Life of St. Content of St. Ignatius' life from early childhood through the end of his years covers his experience with Manresa, his own schooling, teaching of the Spiritual Exercises and his impact on the Jesuits and education as compiled by Father Normal O'Neal, S.J. in his account of the life of St. The Life of St. Ignatius of Loyola is outlined on the south hallway of the AMU 3rd floor. The Haggerty Museum of Art Thai Collection symbolizes the international, academic and artistic dimension of Marquette University. These Thai paintings are intended as a contribution to the multicultural education and environment of Marquette University. "Milwaukee Circle of Life" is a mural celebrating diversity in and around the Milwaukee area. The mural, part of an artist-in-residence, after-school program sponsored by the Forest County Potawatomi Community Foundation, was created by 500 students from a diverse selection of area schools and modeled after the Native American Circle of Life. The giant artwork, which consists of separate murals created at each school and reflects the spiritual energy of all races, measures 20 x 5 feet. At the center is an artwork created by Native American students and modeled after the Native American Circle of Life. Students involved in the project hail from the Hmong American Peace Academy, Indian Community School, Lloyd Street Global Education School, Poplar Creek Elementary School and St. Brought to the second floor of the Alumni Memorial Union in the summer of 2007, the Father Brooks Mosaic was previously on display in the old Brooks Memorial Union. The mosaic was created to show the life and the meaning of the life of the late Father Peter A. The story in the mosaic is told in symbolism, the universal language of the Church.
A Parallel: The Wisconsin Union
The Alumni Memorial Union shares similarities with other university unions across the country. For example, the Wisconsin Union at the University of Wisconsin-Madison also has a rich history and serves as a vital center for student life.
1904In his inaugural address, UW President Charles Van Hise calls for the construction of a Union building to provide for "the communal life of instructors and students in work, in play, and in social relations."1907The Wisconsin Union is formed, with the Men's Union Board established to serve as the all-campus program board.1914The Wisconsin Union, along with six other college unions, founds the Association of College Unions.1919The Board of Regents, led by President Walter Kohler, Sr., authorizes the appointment of a special committee to initiate plans and secure funding for a union building to serve as the University's war memorial.1925A crowd of more than 5,000 gathers on Armistice Day (now called Veterans Day) to witness University President Glenn Frank dig the first shovel full of dirt for construction of Memorial Union.1926Union Fund Drive Committee offers lifetime Union membership to those who donate $50 or more to the building fund. Also that year, Porter Butts is named the Union's first director.1927The building cornerstone is laid in a Memorial Day ceremony. Sealed in the stone are the University's military service record of 10,000 names and Gold Star Honor Roll of 219 names, together with the Union roll of 10,000 donors.1928On October 5, 1928, the Memorial Union opens, dedicated to the men and women of the University who served in our country's wars. At the opening ceremony, President Frank states, âThe Union is a living room, which converts the University from a house of learning into a home of learning.â1929The first wedding in the new Union facility is held in Tripp Commons.1931A group of three students and three staff members form an outing club to be known as the Wisconsin Hoofers with the aim of making the University of Wisconsin the outing center of the Midwest1933Upon recommendation of the Union Council, the Board of Regents approves the sale of 3.2 beer on campus. The Memorial Union is the first union to serve beer at a public university. Also in 1933, Tudor Dinners is inaugurated in Tripp Commons.1934The Union sponsors the first state-wide âWisconsin Salon of Artâ show. Held in the Union Gallery, artist Grant Wood is one of the judges.1935The Board of Regents designates the Wisconsin Union as âThe Division of Social Education.â From the beginning, the Union provided spaces and places for students to relax and socialize.1936James Watrous completes a series of murals, which he began as a graduate student in 1933, depicting the legend of Paul Bunyan. The project is funded by a federal grant as part of Franklin D. Rooseveltâs New Deal in response to the Great Depression.1937On May 4, 1937, the Board of Regents authorizes the Union to proceed with plans for construction of the Union Theater and new west wing facilities. The concept of including a theater in the Union had existed during the early planning days before the Union was built, but a lack of funds prevented its construction until the late 1930's.1939The Union Theater opens with the performance of "Taming of the Shrew" staring Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. The Theater Wing addition also includes new Hoofer quarters, a craftshop, and eight bowling lanes.1940The Hoofer Sailing Club is organized with 450 students signing up for dry land instruction.1941Initially, the Rathskeller was open to men only. Beginning in 1937, women were allowed to enter during summer session. In 1941 Union Council votes to open the Rathskeller to women from 2 pm to closing. One year later, women gain full access.1942With the United States now engaged in World War II, the Union and the campus rush to meet the needs of service men and women. More than 2000 Army and Navy personnel are fed in Union dining rooms daily. As a result, traffic in the Union soars.1943Carolyn Hall elected as the first female president of the Union.19472100 students attend the first dance of the year in Great Hall, forcing Union Council to establish a maximum attendance of 1500 for future dances.1948As campus enrollment grows tremendously in the years following World War II, the central section of the Union is refurbished and redecorated, including the Rathskeller, Trophy Room, Billiards Room, Main Lounge, and Great Hall.1949As part of the UW's Centennial celebration, the Union Art Committee presents "Old Masters from the Metropolitan" art exhibit in Union Gallery. The exhibition, featuring 27 masterpieces, is viewed by more than 66,000 people.1952The original Union Building Committee is formally incorporated as the Memorial Union Building Association, a tax-exempt educational corporation dedicated to serving the Wisconsin Union and its members.1953The Union celebrates the 25th anniversary of the opening of Memorial Union. As part of the festivities, the Union makes a color sound film depicting the union idea in action.1954Bermuda shorts are recognized as acceptable dress in the Union Cafeteria and Rathskeller, as well as on the Terrace.1956The Union begins construction of expanded dining room facilities, including a cafeteria with lakefront views, at a cost of $1,293,000.1962The Stiftskeller opens in the previous Billiards Room, providing additional seating space for Union patrons, though the Stiftskeller murals were not added until 1978.1964The Special Services Committee is established as part of the Union Directorate to promote volunteerism in the community. Also that year, the Union celebrates the Theater's 25th anniversary.1968Porter Butts retires as director. Ted Crabb, who served as the Union's student president in 1953-54, is appointed as the second director.1969During the political and social unrest of the 1960s, Union programs reflect the times, including a week-long symposium called "The Black Revolution: To What Ends?" Speakers include Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young, and Nathan Wright. Also in 1969, the University cancels a production of Peter Pan in the Play Circle Theater, which leads to a campus-wide ban on nudity in all University drama programs.1971In order to better serve the growing campus, the Wisconsin Union opens Union South and celebrates with the theme "Fewer Walls, More Bridges."1972The first Union Mini Courses are offered.1978The Union celebrates its golden anniversary year with the theme "A Half Century of Constructive Involvement," including a five-week residency of the Alwin Nikolais Dance Theatre. Other events include a 200-pound cake in the shape of the Union and the Hoofers-sponsored "Great Goldfish Giveaway," which involves dumping 1,000 goldfish in the Library Mall Fountain.1983The Memorial Union Building Association provides funds for the necessary tools and dyes to ensure the on-going production of the beloved Terrace "sunburst' chairs, which have appeared on the Union Terrace since the 1940s.1987In the summer of 1987, a newly renovated Union Terrace opens, featuring additional seating and an outdoor Brat Stand. Thousands of visitors attend the grand re-opening festivities.1988The Union's second floor Browsing Library becomes home to the University's Interim Multicultural Center. Also that year, the Red Oak Grill is remodeled and expanded and a new, open staircase is constructed in the Union South atrium.1989The Union Theater celebrates its 50th anniversary.1990Diversions, a non-alcoholic night club, opens at Union South.1995The Morgridge Center for Public Service is created and becomes a department of the Wisconsin Union with offices at Union South. In 1998, the Center's permanent home opens in the newly renovated Red Gym.1997Hoofers resurrects the Statue of Liberty, which first appeared on Lake Mendota in the late 1970s, as part of Winter Carnival. Also that year, the Wisconsin Union launches its first web site.1998The Hoofers Riding Club finds a permanent home for its stable in the Town of Montrose, located a short drive from campus.2001Ted Crabb retires as Union director. Mark Guthier is appointed as the third director in the Union's history.2003The Wisconsin Union marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of Memorial Union.
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