Front of KS Union

2024 Annual Review

As we reflect on 2024, the KU Memorial Unions continue to embody our six lines of effort: Our People, Engaging Programs, Outstanding Service, Collaborative Partnerships, Inviting Spaces, and Budget Management. The team has made strides that demonstrate our commitment to our community. Join us in investing in our future!

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Bookstore Peeps

Our People

The Union team prioritizes our people through onboarding, development, and recognition. We streamlined organizational onboarding by implementing Development Training Plans for full-time positions. In 2024, we demonstrated our commitment to growth and appreciation by granting 85 promotions, awarding one-time monetary performance awards, and providing a 3% cost-of-living salary increase to all full-time employees.

Jack Kredo

I am constantly reminded of what makes the KU Memorial Unions truly special—our people, our programs, and our commitment to serving the community. Last year, we made incredible strides that reflect our dedication and hard work. I’m honored to share the impact of our team’s efforts and offer a glimpse into the exciting future ahead.

Jack Kredo
Executive Director, KU Memorial Union

B&ES stats

3,326
Bookings in our spaces
2,759
Student Organization Bookings
1,609,476
Visitors To Our Facilities

Inviting Spaces

In 2024, we modernized our spaces by installing new carpeting in the lobby and alcoves, upgrading the ballroom’s audio and visual systems, and refreshing the Underground, Studio, and Bookstore areas. In 2025 and beyond, we will continue enhancing our infrastructure and fully upgrading spaces to foster a greater sense of belonging at KU.

Engaging Programs

Emma and Viet

Student Union Activities

Continue to offer traditional programs to over 50,000 attendees at 256 events. Programs such as UnionFest, the largest attendance in history in 2024 with 10,800 students, Tea at Three offering cold tea during the warmer months, and Thursday Night series offering fan favorites such as Karaoke Night and Grocery Bingo.
Big Event

The Big Event

Provided campus connection for over 2,000 students, faculty, and staff at the over 150 job sites served in 2024. To engage more students they offered a award to each Sorority and Fraternity Council chapter and student organization with the highest show-up rate to each event.
KJHK

KJHK 90.7 FM

Was awarded best station in the nation at the International Broadcast Systems Conference, the second year in a row received Best in Lawrence. They installed an encoder, listeners are now able to know the song playing via the digital screen in car.
Esports

Kansas Esports

Grew to five titles offered, with the addition of SMASH. Continued to host the 8th annual Sweet Spot Smash Tournament with over 3,000 attendees and 100,000 Twitch Viewers. They continued to show excellence in qualifying for Collegiate Rocket League as one of sixteen teams of over 1,000 competing.

Budget Management

Our team has maintained diligent budget management, between cash management practices and debt reduction. We are building on a foundation to better support our patrons, and are in the position to invest in our future with short- and long-term remodeling. Join the excitement by donating today!
Bookstore

Collaborative Partnerships

KU Bookstore

KU Bookstore

> Higher Education Opportunity Act – in partnership with the office of policy administration to ensure affordable and transparent course materials for students
> Worked to reduce the cost of textbooks in partnership with the educational technology team through KU Auto Access Program
> Collaborated with KU Libraries to advance open educational resource initiatives, supporting faculty and students with low-cost or zero-cost materials while improving pricing transparency
Taco Tuesday

KU Dining

> Hired an operations and procurement leader, effectively sourcing affordable and quality ingredients and creating dependable vendor relationships.
> Hosted over 30 events in dining facilities, from Senior Night in partnership with the Alumni Association and The Bookstore to takeover events with name brands such as Land O’ Lakes, Hormel, and Kellanova.
band

Additional Collaborations

> Collaborated with Admissions to host large visit days, offering free items at the Bookstore and fueling students’ experiences through our dining locations.
> Worked with Student Affairs to enhance student engagement and support initiatives.
> Expanded efforts with Endowment to grow programming funds and launched the Bookstore Course Materials Fund to provide emergency assistance.
> Teamed up with Jayhawk Community Partners to open a Wendy’s on Level 3 of the Kansas Union.
> Engaged with the Alumni Association to strengthen connections and support Jayhawk traditions.

Outstanding Services

175
New recipes and over 500 adjusted recipes implemented by our culinary managers to increase traffic to our residential locations with a focus on healthy and plant-based food options.
3
New dining concepts across campus: Slam Dunk Stir Fry at Courtside Cafe and two new concepts at Wescoe Deli offering a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and a salad station.
16
Students were granted emergency funding for course materials through the KU Bookstore's Textbook Relief Fund. Through 27,051 round-up transactions at the register raising $17,860 in 2024.
12
Fresh Grab ‘n Go items to campus coffeehouses, offering a quick and healthy option between classes to the campus community.

Board of Directors

In February 2024, the Memorial Corporation Board voted to restructure its composition, incorporating campus leadership to enhance collaboration and strategic alignment.
Board Members

2024 Year In ReviewView as gallery page

Union Friends Organization

Invest in our future, and join the Union Friends Organization. The Union Friends Organization connects alumni, friends, and passionate supports of the KU Memorial Unions, creating opportunities to engage, collaborate and give back. Members celebrate traditions, build community, and drive impactful support for the programs and initiatives of the KU Memorial Unions. RSVP for our Happy Hour on April 25, 2025 to meet our people, and learn more about how you support us in creating opportunities for tomorrow.

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