Long a centerpiece of campus, the Purdue Memorial Union celebrated its centennial in 2024. Part of the Purdue University Press Founders Series, Purdue Memorial Union: The First 100 Years, 1924–2024 is the book for Purdue alumni, fans, and friends to memorialize this cherished campus landmark and look into its future.
Featuring hundreds of photos throughout the years, Purdue Memorial Union: The First 100 Years, 1924–2024 covers the origin of the college union movement, the desire for a union at Purdue University, fundraising efforts, architecture and design, construction, and organizational development. Early life in the union is described along with detailed floor plans. A decade-by-decade description of programming in the union by the Purdue Student Union Board is provided, as well as brief histories of the union’s hotel, catering, restaurant, and recreation operations. Plans for the future of the union are also described.
About the Author
Robert (Bob) Mindrum served as director of the Purdue Memorial Union from 1995 to 2016. He received his BA in English literature and his MBA from the University of Illinois, working at the Illini Union from 1980 to 1995 before coming to Purdue. Mindrum served as president of the Association of College Unions International from 2006 to 2007, and locally in Greater Lafayette as president of both the Civic Theatre and the Convention & Visitors Bureau Boards of Directors. He and his wife, Cathy, live in West Lafayette, Indiana, but spend their free time at Raccoon Lake in Rockville.
Read the Book
You can receive a 30% discount on Purdue Memorial Union: The First 100 Years, 1924–2024 and any other Purdue University Press book by ordering directly from our website and using the code PURDUE30 at checkout. Our books are also available through your favorite hometown bookstore, preferred online retailer, or your local library.
Note for Media and Book Reviewers
A digital review copy of this book is available via Edelweiss for librarians, book review bloggers, and journalists. Additional questions about this book may be directed to sales and marketing manager Bryan Shaffer.
About Purdue University Press
Founded in 1960, Purdue University Press is dedicated to the dissemination of scholarly and professional information. We publish books in several key subject areas, including Purdue and Indiana history, aeronautics/astronautics, the human-animal bond, Central European studies, Jewish studies, and other select disciplines.
Learn more about Purdue University Press at www.press.purdue.edu.