Typically, Emporia State University’s annual Founders Day celebration is a big deal on campus. But it’s a bigger deal this year with the 100th anniversary of the Memorial Union.
Activities will take place on Valentine’s Day. Director of Alumni Relations Tiffany Wilson says all of the traditional Founder’s Day activities will be included, like a buffet provided by Fresh Ideas, recognition of Kellogg Society members that set up legacy gifts for ESU and the announcement of the 1863 essay contest winners.
And, yes, there will be activities to commemorate a century of the Memorial Union. Director Carmen Leeds says the building has seen a range of student amenities as tastes have changed over time.
The Union space first opened Feb. 15, 1925. At that time, it was the first student union building west of the Mississippi River and just the eighth student union in North America. The facility now serves as the area’s largest conference center, according to Leeds, with numerous meeting rooms and the Colonial Ballroom. It also has a food court, national retailers like Barnes & Noble and Starbucks, Corky’s Cupboard and several university offices.
While the last major renovation process is now over a decade old, smaller renovations have been taking place more recently — including the Hornet’s Nest cafeteria to open up some space for different food-serving options. A renovation for Hornet Express is coming this summer, and Leeds says an entertainment-related renovation could be announced later this semester.
Registration for Founders Day activities is $10 a person. Click here to register.
