"Living Room" of Campus
Washburn's Memorial Union serves as the center of campus life, providing educational, cultural, social and recreational services that are integral to the academic experience. The Union serves as the "living room" of campus, a place Ichabods have gone to relax, eat, meet and play since 1951.Department Links
Your campus host for classes, events, conferences, and connecting. Check out all we have to offer by clicking each link below!
Location: Union Underground
Your shop for books, WU merchandise, and other amazing products!
Location: Union Underground (Ichabod Shop)
UMAPS provides a wide variety of printing and mailing solutions for the Washburn University community. Let our professional staff meet your needs!
Location: Main Lobby
Come to the Ichabod Service Center for information about Dining Dollars, Bod Bucks, Commuter Meal Plans, and iCards!
Location: Main Lobby
The Office of Student Involvement & Development (OSID) fosters opportunities for student success supporting retention and graduation.
Location: Stauffer Commons & Main Lobby
The Union Market is your destination for al la carte dining, and new Boost Ordering coming soon. Stop by the Corner Store for a cup of Joe, sandwiches, salads, meal deals, and all your convenience needs!
Location: Union Underground
Washburn Student Government Association provides organized self-government, services, and projects to benefit the students of Washburn. Get your student planners here!
Location: Union Underground
Washburn Student Media provides the latest news and entertainment to students across campus. Established 1885!
Location: Union Underground
Our new Multicultural/Intersectional Learning Space is now located in the Union Underground.
History of the Memorial Union
In 1946, Shawnee County designated Washburn University’s campus as the home of a planned war memorial to honor the men and women from Washburn and Shawnee County who served and sacrificed for our country in World Wars I, II and the Korean War. The students insisted the memorial be a living, useful memorial for those we honor to serve past, current and generations to come. On May 29, 1946, at a Washburn Student Council meeting, 601 students reportedly signed a petition favoring a $3 per student per semester fee for Union construction.
A major campaign to raise $250,000 to build Washburn’s Memorial Union was launched in 1947. Washburn students raised $35,000, Alumni and friends were encouraged to donate $30, and Shawnee County public school children participated by collecting and donating pennies, $6,439 worth. It was paid for
completely with individual contributions.
The Memorial Union was dedicated on Washburn Founders Day: Feb. 6, 1952 and celebrating the official birthday on December 3rd.
The university quickly outgrew the original union and an addition was planned that would double the square footage. The construction was nearly completed when the infamous 1966 tornado destroyed six buildings on campus. Damage to the Union was minor. Stop by our upper level north lounge to see pictures of campus before the devastating tornado and after.
The most recent addition to the Memorial Union was completed in 2001 when the Union Market food court opened in Stauffer Commons along with the Living Learning Center.
Today, a bronze plaque listing the men and women from Washburn and Shawnee County who made the supreme sacrifice for our nation in World War I and II and the Korean Conflict is located at the Union's main entrance.
GET IN TOUCH WITH the Memorial Union
Phone
785-670-1726 (Director’s Office)
785-670-1454 (Business & Auxiliaries Office)
Address
1700 SW College, Topeka KS 66621
Google Map
