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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Wilmeth Active Learning Center

Popular Purdue Buildings for Student Life

With such a beautiful campus and architectural gems everywhere, Purdue University has multiple places to offer students no matter what they’re looking for.

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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.

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Purdue Memorial Union

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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…
Learn More
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Podcast Ep. 102: Purdue for Life’s Matt Folk on the Boilermaker Spirit and Community

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Darrell Smith, a Purdue maintenance technician and longtime caretaker of the Purdue Memorial Union Christmas tree

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A special holiday tradition and a tribute to a beloved spouse

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A miniature replica of the university's over 2,600-acre campus.

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The limestone slabs that once welcomed visitors to campus at the corner of Grant and State streets have been repurposed as part of the renovations at Purdue Memorial Union. This slab now sits at the base of the Great Hall stairwell, while the other is positioned near the PMU’s west tower stairs. (Photo by John Underwood/Purdue Marketing and Communications)

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Renovations modernize PMU dining level while celebrating Purdue’s history

The Purdue Memorial Union’s renovated ground floor looks like an entirely different space to most visitors. But when they see the many nods to Purdue and PMU history embedded within the new layout, even staunch Purdue traditionalists can find elements to appreciate about the additions to the century-old building.

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