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Celebrating 100 Years of the Kansas Memorial Union

This year, we are proud to celebrate 100 years of the Kansas Memorial Union—the heart of campus life for many decades.

Learn More about the Kansas Union

Jack Kredo headshot

We are excited to celebrate 100 years of supporting the Students, Faculty, and Staff of the University of Kansas. Our ability to create a sense of belonging and enable a space to build community has been our purpose for a century and will continue to be well into the future.

Jack Kredo
Executive Director

Celebrate with Us!

To commemorate 100 years of the Kansas Union, we are hosting a series of events honoring its rich tradition and history, bringing together students, staff, alumni, and the broader community. Since its founding in 1921, the KU Memorial Union has evolved from a tribute to the 130 students and alumni who bravely gave their lives in World War I, to a dynamic hub for student creativity and community. Be a part of the celebration by joining the events and experiencing how 100 years of tradition continues to inspire today.

Union After Dark

Union After Dark

  • Sunday, March 1, 2026

  • 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

  • Kansas Union

  • Join us on the first level of the KU Memorial Union as we semi-restore the original bowling alley space, where you can play a striking game, explore historical pieces on display, and enjoy complimentary treats.

  • While we strike up the past and roll new traditions into the future, you can also head up to level 5 to keep the energy going with a silent disco and mini golf.

Legacy of Love

Legacy of Love

  • Monday, March 23, 2026

  • 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

  • Danforth Chapel

  • Celebrate eighty years of love and tradition at Danforth Chapel as we honor the remarkable legacy of the nearly 5,000 couples who have said "I do" within its walls since its very first wedding.

  • We invite you to join us for a special anniversary event where you can explore a history gallery of the chapel’s iconic past, enjoy wedding cake samples, and create your own floral bouquet.

Burge Bash

Burge Bash

  • Saturday, April 25, 2026

  • 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

  • Burge Union

  • From its beginnings as the Satellite Student Union to its current life as the Burge Union, this building holds a rich history that we are ready to honor in a fresh way following its recent renovations.

  • Join us as we transform the space into a casino-style experience where you can play for exciting prizes while exploring a dedicated history exhibit that showcases the building's enduring legacy.

Union 100th Birthday Party

Union 100th Birthday Party

  • Thursday, April 30, 2026

  • 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

  • Ascher Plaza, Kansas Union

  • This year, we’re celebrating a major milestone as the Kansas Memorial Union hits its 100th birthday! A full century of student life, community, and tradition deserves a grand celebration, so join us for a day packed with events, exhibits, and activities.

  • You can explore a timeline gallery, discover the dramatic story of the famous Ballroom fire, and even participate in a building-wide scavenger hunt. Don’t miss this historic chance to honor the Memorial Union and experience the heart of campus.

Union 100th Celebration
Union 100th Celebration

Union 100th Celebration

  • Saturday, June 13, 2026

  • Varying Locations and Times

  • Distinct from the Union's 100th Birthday Party, this summertime celebration offers a fresh experience where attendees can explore beautifully reimagined spaces while honoring a century of history.

  • The festivities feature an invite-only luncheon and a cake-cutting ceremony on Ascher Plaza open for all to enjoy that invites guests to discover the Union's updates from top to bottom.

  • Throughout the event, guests will also have the unique opportunity to bid on exclusive renderings of the Union, making it a truly memorable milestone for the entire community.

Baby Jay Celebration

Baby Jay Celebration

  • Friday, October 9, 2026

  • 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

  • Ascher Plaza, Kansas Union

  • We are celebrating 55 years of Baby Jay, the beloved University of Kansas mascot who first hatched during the Homecoming football game on October 9, 1971.

  • Since that debut, Baby Jay has remained a cherished campus favorite, and we invite you to join us to honor this milestone in true Jayhawk spirit. Come by to wish Baby Jay a happy birthday, enjoy a celebratory donut, and pick up some spirited KU gear.

Support the Unions

Has the Union been part of your Jayhawk story? Help support new renovations to the space and improve the experience for future students.
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