The Kansas Union set to celebrate 100 years
LAWRENCE — To celebrate 100 years of the Kansas Union, the KU Memorial Unions team is hosting a series of events honoring its rich tradition and history, bringing together students, staff, alumni and the broader community.
Since its founding, the Kansas Union has evolved from a tribute to the 130 students and alumni who gave their lives in World War I to a dynamic hub for student creativity and community. The University of Kansas and surrounding communities are invited to take part in the celebration by joining the events and experiencing how a century of tradition continues to inspire today.
Upcoming events
Union after Dark
5-9 p.m. March 1, Kansas Union
Level 1 of the Kansas Union once held a bowling alley that served students and the Lawrence community for 62 years before closing in May 2015. The alley was also home to KU’s bowling team, which practiced and competed in the space and went on to win a national championship.
To kick off the Kansas Union's 100th anniversary celebrations, the legacy will be honored through an evening of activities and games. The Union will be transformed into a glow-in-the-dark experience, complete with mini golf and a silent disco. For the event, KU Memorial Unions will semi-restore the original bowling alley space, where participants can play a striking game, explore historical pieces on display and enjoy complimentary treats.
Legacy of Love
11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 23, Danforth Chapel
Danforth Chapel is a historic, nondenominational chapel located on the KU Lawrence campus, built in 1946. Named after donor William Danforth, the chapel has evolved beyond a place of worship into a popular setting for weddings and other special ceremonies.
Explore KU’s own chapel while creating a custom flower bouquet and enjoying wedding cake samples.
Burge Bash
4-7 p.m. April 25, Burge Union
The Burge Union originally opened in 1979 as the “Satellite Student Union” and was created to serve the Lawrence campus’s west side as the university continued to expand. In 2016, the original structure was demolished and replaced with the modern building standing today.
The Burge Union is being transformed into KU's very own casino for a night. Guests will have the chance to enter raffles, play to win prizes and experience the Burge Union in a new way.
Union 100th Birthday Party
11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 30, Kansas Union
On the same date that the cornerstone was laid 100 years ago, the Kansas Union is celebrating a century of history. Since its opening, the Union has been the heart of campus life, welcoming generations of students, faculty and visitors to study, gather and connect.
In honor of this milestone, the celebration includes festive party favors and a special birthday treat to mark 100 years of memories.
Baby Jay Celebration
10 a.m.-noon Oct. 6
On Oct. 9, 1971, the Kansas Jayhawks football team played and defeated the Kansas State Wildcats in a Homecoming game at Memorial Stadium. At halftime, Baby Jay debuted by hatching out of a giant papier-mâché egg. Ever since, Baby Jay has been a university favorite.
Guests are invited to sign a birthday card for Baby Jay, take pictures and enjoy a sweet treat in celebration of the beloved mascot.
Union 100th Celebration
2-8 p.m. June 13, Kansas Union
Varying from the Union's 100th Birthday Party, this summertime celebration offers a first look into the Union’s new Level 4 renovations.
This two-part celebration includes an invite-only luncheon and a cake-cutting ceremony on Ascher Plaza open to all. Programs throughout the day will invite guests to explore the Union levels 1 to 6.
If interested in learning more about the events or for media passes, contact Mikayla Leader, program coordinator, at programs@ku.edu. Learn more about the events on the Kansas Union 100 webpage and follow the KU Memorial Unions on Instagram for updates.
About The KU Memorial Unions
The KU Memorial Unions, a not-for-profit affiliate of the University of Kansas, operates the KU Bookstores, KU Dining, KU Event Services and KU Union Programs. Its major campus facilities include the Kansas Union, the Burge Union and the DeBruce Center. Proceeds resulting from Union services are reinvested into KU student initiatives. For more information about the KU Memorial Unions or any of its services, please contact union@ku.edu.