Memorial Union

Known loving as “the living room of campus” the University of North Dakota’s Memorial Union was home to many student organizations, the North Dakota Museum of Art, and dining establishments. Constructed in 1951, it was the first space of its kind on campus, where students of any major or background could gather socially. Torn down and rebuilt in 2021, the newly constructed Union continues the 72-year legacy of offering students these services and providing space for them to learn and socialize.

The University of North Dakota’s Memorial Student Union was built in 1951 and was dedicated to the UND students and staff lost in the second world war. The post-World War Two influx of students made the need for a common space for students to gather abundantly obvious. UND’s administration was well aware of their students need for a place to rest, relax and participate in activities, thus the Union was born. 

The services the Union offers have evolved during the many renovations and additions. In its origin, some notable features of the Union were a bowling alley, a dining room, snack bars, a store, a game room, and multiple lounges. This was the first place for students to go where they could find food, fun, and study spaces on campus. By the 1960s the Union had a new addition and a new name, University Center. The new addition and renovation included a new cafeteria called the Terrace Room, the University bookstore, the North Dakota Museum of Art, a barber shop, and a TV lounge. In 1989 the North Dakota Museum of Art was relocated to its own building. After the flood of 1997, the Union was severely damaged and needed reconstruction on most of the bottom floor. Notable changes included the removal of the bookstore, the addition of an Internet cafe, a new food court, and the Loading Dock, which was home to student events. The early 2000s saw the final iteration of the old Union before it was torn down and completely rebuilt. 

After 70 years of providing Union services out of the old building, it was time to start over with a new and improved building. In 2021 the University opened the newly constructed Memorial Union. The construction took 2 years from groundbreaking to dedication. The Union still offers many of the same student services including many food options, hosting student events, plenty of study spaces, and a game area. While some services are the same, the Union has expanded its services as well. The new Union includes One Stop Student Services, the offices for Diversity Equity and Inclusion, a career services center, the Memorial Union art gallery, and the student involvement office. This in conjunction with open spaces and natural light makes the Union a place that students love.

Leppo, John; Hirning, Sherlock; Larson, Louis; Trimarco, Tony; and Solberg, Bonnie, "Memorial Union" (2008). UND Departmental Histories. 86. https://commons.und.edu/departmental-histories/86

History & project timeline. The University of North Dakota. (n.d.). Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://und.edu/student-life/union/new-union-timeline.html