The Purdue Memorial Union Turns 100

One of the most popular places on campus has helped form core memories for a century

Ask any Boilermaker where to find the perfect spot for studying, saying hey to friends or getting something to eat, and you’ll likely hear the same response again and again and again: the Purdue Memorial Union.

The PMU has seen a lot of change since it opened on Sept. 9, 1924 (when the university consisted of fewer than 4,000 faculty, staff and students!). An extensive ground floor renovation in 2022 signaled the building’s ability to always adapt for what the university needs next and ensured that the next 100 years will hold even more stories.  

Purdue Memorial Union

Podcast Ep. 116: Celebrating 100 Years of History at the Purdue Memorial Union

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Bob Mindrum, former director of the Purdue Memorial Union and author of “Purdue Memorial Union, The First 100 Years, 1924 to 2024.”  The Purdue Memorial Union — a longtime centerpiece

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One-take drone tour of PMU renovations

Get a drone’s-eye view of the renovated ground floor (all 67,000 square feet!).

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Diving into the university’s archives

Take a look at some of the many memories made at the PMU. Throughout a century of change, these photos are evidence that a couple of things have remained the same: Familiar architectural features can be found there today, and there are still groups of Boilermakers taking the time to meet up and enjoy what campus has to offer.

Construction of the PMU, which opened on Sept. 9, 1924.
George O. Hayes, part of the Class of 1912, proposed Purdue’s student union.
Students on the lawn in front of the PMU.
The PMU is named in recognition of the Boilermakers who served in World War I.
Students in the original cafeteria of the PMU.
The original cafeteria hosted diners in the southwest corner of the building.
Students craft and paint in the Puttering Room in the PMU.
Boilermakers could craft and paint in the Puttering Room.
Students at the Sweet Shop in the PMU.
The Sweet Shop served up coffee, soda, milkshakes and sandwiches.
Students at the Rack and Roll in the PMU.
The Rack and Roll is one of the oldest bowling centers in Indiana.

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