The University of Oklahoma Memorial Union: A Hub of History and Services

The Oklahoma Memorial Union (OMU) stands as a testament to the University of Oklahoma's rich history and its commitment to student life. More than just a building, the Union serves as a central gathering spot for students, faculty, staff, and guests, offering a diverse range of services, dining options, and spaces for academic and social engagement. Built without a single cent from taxpayers' money, relying instead on student fees, services and other sources, the Union has evolved over the decades to meet the changing needs of the university community.

A Vision Realized: From Dream to Reality

The seeds of the Oklahoma Memorial Union were sown in 1916, when a group of students organized to raise awareness for the need of a student union on the University of Oklahoma campus. This initial spark was momentarily dimmed by the entry into World War I. However, the vision persisted, and in 1925, under President James S. Buchanan, fundraising efforts for a student union building and a football stadium were joined to initiate a $1 million campaign.

Construction commenced in 1925, and on November 22, 1928, the Oklahoma Memorial Union officially opened its doors. The Oklahoma Memorial Union and the Memorial Stadium were dedicated in honor of the University of Oklahoma students and alumni who died in World War I. The original plans included the clock tower, however, due to budget constraints, it was left off. In 1936, the clock tower was added with the help of the Work Projects Administration. In 1948, the official groundbreaking took place. Bennett to life. yearbook, dedicated a page to the Union. the new ‘heart’ of Oklahoma A&M College. introvert or extrovert.

Architectural Evolution and Expansion

The initial structure of the Union provided essential facilities for students and faculty. When the central part of the Union was finished, students and faculty enjoyed a large cafeteria, a book exchange, and a large open area with two regulation-sized bowling alleys and several pool & snooker tables on the ground floor. Offices, a men's lounge, and the ballroom were located on the second and third floors. The Union's landmark 99-foot (30 m) clock tower was completed in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration project.

As the university experienced a surge in enrollment after World War II, the need for expansion became apparent. In 1951, the north and south wings were added for $2.3 million, completing the interior of the structure and adding much-needed space. The cafeteria expanded into the north wing and was renamed the Will Rogers Cafeteria, to honor Will Rogers.

A Period of Transition and Renewal

Following the expansion in 1951, the Union entered a period of decline as the university's campus expanded south. By the time the Union Parking Garage was completed in the early 1980s, the Will Rogers Cafeteria, once Norman's favorite Sunday-after-church luncheon spot, had become a relic, and its decor - and food offerings - were firmly stuck in the 1950s. The book exchange was only large enough to hold the engineering texts and supplies; Crossroads Restaurant was the lone competition to the Will Rogers Cafeteria. The new student dormitories were over half a mile (0.8 kilometers) south along with new classroom buildings.

However, the Union's fortunes began to turn as student organization offices started moving back into the building, increasing foot traffic. As enrollment increased again in the late 1980s and early 1990s, small areas were refurbished. It was clear that the Union needed more than cosmetic improvements. When the university's 13th president, David Boren, arrived in 1994, he and his wife Molly led a $11.5 million campaign to remodel the building. The result was a facility that welcomed students, and the Union quickly regained its status as a campus gathering place. A major redesign of the cafeteria to food courts took place in 1978. In 1983, the Garden Terrace was constructed. Atrium. the Bursar and Undergraduate Admissions. be a central gathering spot for students and guests. Union. operational and did not miss one day of services regarding retail or dining. Renovation construction continued throughout 2010-11. The north side of therenovation project was taking shape in August 2011. Sept.

In October 2006, custodians began to notice small paint chips and sawdust on window sills on the Union's third floor. Expert inspectors quickly deduced that the roof beams above the third floor were pushing the lintels on the third floor windows down, which pushed the walls apart and also pressed against the walls of the north wing.

Embracing the Future: The OSU Esports Arena

In 2018 OSU began its endeavor to bring an esports arena to campus. it became apparent it was time for OSU to get involved in the gaming industry. of OSU, the Student Union began the construction of the OSU Esports Arena.

A Comprehensive Hub of Services

Today the Union continues to be impressive in stature and alive with activity. and guests. A snapshot of our historyDuring its storied history the Student Union has gone through many changes. taxpayers’ money. An aerial view of the initial construction. The Union tower is a campus icon. in the 50s-60s. Union added 86,000 square feet.

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The Oklahoma Memorial Union houses multiple departments dedicated to enhancing the student experience:

Advocacy & Education: Located on the 3rd Floor - South End, The Office of Advocacy & Education is dedicated to cultivating a safe and affirming environment for all students. Services include OU Advocates, the OU Food Pantry, gender-based violence awareness and prevention training, and overall wellness education.
Career Center: Situated on the 3rd Floor - Central, the Career Center is a department within Student Affairs whose mission is to enhance the career development of students by teaching career planning/job search skills and by facilitating the exchange of information among students, alumni, faculty, administrators and employers.
Lead & Volunteer: Found on the 2nd Floor - South End, the Leadership & Volunteersim is a department within Student Affairs that provides students with leadership-learning and community service opportunities and is the advisory office for The Big Event, Lead Team, President's Community Scholars, the Read and Lead series and more.
Student Affairs: Located on the 2nd Floor - South End, the office of the University Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students is responsible for 13 departments that provide the out-of-classroom experience that defines student life for OU students.
Student Legal Services: Positioned on the 4th Floor - Central, the Student Legal Services (SLS) program provides currently enrolled students at the University of Oklahoma with legal services from a licensed attorney.
Student Government Association: SGA is comprised of the Office of the Student Body President, Undergraduate Student Congress, Graduate Student Senate and the Campus Activities Council.

A Culinary Crossroads

The Oklahoma Memorial Union features multiple eateries for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Baja Fresh Express offers flame-grilled Mexican flavor. You can get fresh, high quality, flavorful food, prepared from real recipes by hand, just the way you like it - big, fresh and delicious! Chick-fil-A serves the original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich. Stop by anytime to enjoy a delicious burger or sandwich, and breakfast is served all day!

Technology and Convenience

The OMU Computer Lab is located on the first floor of the union next to the passport center. The OMU Computer Lab is located on the first floor of the union next to the passport center.

Parking and Accessibility

The Union Parking Center is open to the public at a rate of $2 per hour or $14 per day. Events clients of the Union may purchase parking passes for their guests or have the option of reserving the entire garage for $1,600 per day. The Union Parking Center will close and tire spikes will be deployed in the event of severe weather to prevent overcrowding. Vehicles already in the garage will be able to exit, but no vehicle will be able to enter. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Nov. Nov. Nov.

The Oklahoma Memorial Union is one of the few student unions in the nation that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The building doors are locked every day after midnight, but students, faculty and staff may enter through the South and East Entrances with their Sooner Card. DateHoursNov. 27 2024Closes at midnightNov. 28, 2024CLOSEDNov. 29, 2024Open at 8 AMDec. 23-24, 20248 AM - 6 PMDec. 25, 2024CLOSEDDec. 26 - 31, 20248 AM - 8 PMJan.

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The David L. Boren Student Union at the OU Health Sciences Center

Senator David L. Boren met with OU Health Sciences Center students and faculty members. Boren believed that such a facility was "essential to building the spirit of family and community" on the Oklahoma City campus. The OU Health Sciences Center Student Association had approved an increase in student fees to help support the project, and through Boren's efforts. Section 13 revenue bonds were secured for the first time in the University's history. These funds were pooled with student fees to finance the building. million structure, which included offices for student government, a fitness facility, food court, meeting and study rooms, and computer stations. In 2000, the OU Board of Regents approved plans to add a third floor to the building to house Financial Aid and Student Support Services. Funding for the addition was provided largely by student fees earmarked for that purpose. Student support for the addition was led by Robert J. Herman. HSC Student Association president at the time the project was being considered. In 2004, in honor of the tenth anniversary of his presidency and recognizing his strong support for students, the OU Board of Regents named the building the David L. Boren Student Union. Erected by the University of Oklahoma. Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical date for this entry is August 1, 1995.

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