2025 Annual Review

As we reflect on 2025, 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!

SUPPORT THE UNION TODAY

Our People

The Unions team prioritizes our people through onboarding, development, and recognition. We streamlined organizational onboarding by implementing Development Training Plans for full-time positions. In 2025, we demonstrated our commitment to growth and appreciation by granting 64 promotions, awarding one-time monetary performance awards, and providing a 3% cost-of-living salary increase to all full-time employees.

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

10,231

Bookings in our spaces

3,384

Student Organization Bookings

1,592,472

Visitors To Our Facilities

Inviting Spaces

In 2025, we modernized our spaces by installing new carpeting in the alcoves and 3rd floor hallway, gave Jayhawk Ink a refresh with new lighting, and wood flooring. In 2026 and beyond, we will continue enhancing our infrastructure and upgrading spaces to foster a greater sense of belonging at KU. We will begin with Level Four renovations, including spacious options for tabling and updated Traditions and CoffeeHouse areas.

Give Today!

Engaging Programs

Student Union Activities

Continued to offer traditional programs to over 50,000 attendees at 256 events. Programs such as UnionFest, Tea at Three, and Thursday Night series offering fan favorites such as Karaoke Night and Grocery Bingo, are just a few of the events offered by SUA throughout the year.

The Big Event

Provided campus connection for over 2,000 students, faculty, and staff at over 150 job sites served in 2025. To engage more students, they offered an award to each Sorority and Fraternity Council chapter and student organization with the highest show-up rate to each event.

KJHK 90.7 FM

Had a record breaking year in 2025 with 58,877 hours streamed and over 42,000 website visits. They celebrated their 50th birthday by welcoming over 1,000 students, alumni and community members to attend events at the KJHK Studios, including a large-scale concert at the Granada featuring Mei Semones and local act Dalima Kapten.

Kansas Esports

Grew to over 60 student players and staff. Joined the Power Esports Conference, along with 7 other prominent institutions, a conference that organizes competition with a centralized postseason culminating in a championship event at the HyperX Arena in Las Vegas. Continued to grow Sweet Spot with the 9th annual tournament, expanding to offer more events than ever before

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!

GIVE TODAY

Collaborative Partnerships

KU Bookstore

> Granted 61 students emergency funding for course materials through the KU Bookstore’s Course Materials Fund. In 2025, they fund raised $14,800 through 20,404 round-up donations at the register and vendor contributions, with $10,145 awarded directly to students.
> Launched in Fall 2025, the KU Bookstore’s Custom Apparel Shop expanded in-house production to support campus partners with locally produced, licensed apparel. The KU Bookstore Originals retail line frequently features graphics designed by student staff.

KU Dining

> Obtained a membership to MCURC (The Menus of Change University Research Collaborative), to assist in making campus dining sustainable and healthier.
> Served over 68,000 to camps this summer at South and E's.
> Had two grand openings this year with Potters Pie in August at The Market and The Underground and Shake Smart in September in the Rec.
> Added new menu items such as Pho to The Underground and Po Boys to Kings Hawaiian in The Market.

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.
> Engaged with the Alumni Association to strengthen connections and support Jayhawk traditions.

Outstanding Services

68k

Served this Summer at South Dining Commons and Mrs. E's dining locations.

Dining grand openings this year including Potters Pie in August at The Market and The Underground, and Shake Smart in September at Ambler Student Recreation Center.

Students were granted emergency funding for course materials through the KU Bookstore's Course Material's Relief Fund.

445k

Generated in student savings through collaboration with educational technology partners.

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

Annual Review 2025View as gallery page

KU Memorial Unions hosted thousands of Jayhawks at our hundreds of events. Look through some of our key events throughout 2025.

September 26 - Cardboard Boat Regatta

As part of the rededication of Potter’s Lake, the Union hosted a cardboard boat regatta in which students competed to see whose boat could stay afloat the longest..

September 10 - Picture Day

Students at dining halls got to experience picture day with Baby Jay.

Employee Appreciation:

The Union prioritizes employee appreciation by recognizing staff achievements and creating opportunities for connection and celebration throughout the year. In addition to hosting events like the Annual Union Employee Appreciation Party, and multiple family events throughout the year, we also celebrate staff through awards. In 2025, multiple awards were given to exemplary employees for their outstanding contributions, including: Rachelle Esperance - Student Affairs Employee of the year, and Mikayla Leader and Jeremy Whetstone who were both rewarded Student Affairs Employee of the Month in October and November of 2025.

Other awards include: the Rock Chalk Award - Brian Ptacek, the Far Above Award - Okkar Moe and Jeremy Whetstone, the Crimson and Blue Award - James Rourke and Weiming Tang, the Campanile Award - Ethan Schreiber, and the Big jay Award - Maddie Miller and Jake Viscomi.