University of Rhode Island - Memorial Student Union - Student Involvement - Center for Leadership - Conference

50 Lower College Road

Kingston, RI 02881

Phone: 401-874-2056

Fax: 401-874-5317

union@etal.uri.edu

URI Student Affairs

Memorial Student Union

Union History

Memorial Union ~ 50 Years

The Memorial Union arose from humble beginnings. The first student union came into existence in 1943 and was situated in a fraternity. In 1946 the union was moved into five wartime Quonset huts. A major fundraising was undertaken by students and alumni, in 1954, the first Memorial Union was opened to the campus community. It was dedicated as a living memorial to the 187 members of the URI community who had been killed during World War II and the Korean Conflict. As the University grew, a need arose for bigger student union. In 1963 and in 1993, additions and renovations to the Union were performed.

Fun Facts:

		In the 1950's, Robert Frost spoke to students in the Senate Chambers

		In 1962, The Isley Brothers Performed in The Union Ballroom

		On April 30, 1970, over 500 students filled the Quad protesting President Nixon's invasion of Cambodia.

		Guess who dressed for the decades? from left to right, 50's -Bruce Hamilton, Director MU 90's -Michael Nolfe, SIEL 80's -Carol Pegg, Student Life 70's -Tom Dugan, VP Student Affairs 80's -Steve Simo, Student Life 60's -Fran Cohen, Dean Student Life MU Celebrates 50 years, read story VIEW -Pictures of the Event! A Twisted Night Photo