The need for housing auxiliary services for the campus in one location became apparent after World War II. The planning for the Memorial Union began in the summer of 1947. The Alumni Association started the fund drive and the Alumni Foundation was formed to handle the finances. The alumni, reaching out to former students and the community, conducted a successful drive. On February 24, 1949 the Lode reported, "Union Fund Drive Nears Goal." The goal was $300,000, and $200,000 had been raised. The Board of Control decided that the Alumni Association had come close enough to its goal to justify the project and on June 6, 1950, approved borrowing 1.3 million dollars for construction. The Memorial Union opened two years later on May 5, 1952. (Excerpted from the "Michigan Tech Centennial 1885-1985" written by David T. Halkola.)
In 1989, a large expansion added a food court and extra conference rooms. Renovations also repaired parts of the building which were weathered due to wear throughout the years.
From the description of Michigan Technological University Memorial Union Building Renovation Photograph Collection, 1988-1989. (Michigan Technological University). WorldCat record id: 720664863
