Throughout the history of Fort Hays State University, various facilities have been called “The Union.” The Union, as presently operated, was built in two phases: the first was opened in the late 1950s and proved to be adequate until enrollment mushroomed in the mid 1960s. In 1970, the “new addition” was completed to form the facility we operate today. Both projects were funded through revenue bonds which were retired in the early 1990s.

Between 1959 and the present, the building has been operated and maintained through the use of student fees and generated income. Visually, the Memorial Union is well maintained and still provides basic services needed by the University community. Time and use, however, have taken a heavy toll on the infrastructure of the facility. Curriculum changes have also altered the need for some of the existing facilities.

While maintenance has been accomplished on a continual basis, one major renovation took place in the early 1990s, when the cafeteria was extensively remodeled. Funds for the $250,000 project were made available from operating income and a $.25 per credit hour student fee to support some additional revenue bonds. Those bonds are now fully retired. In December 2003, a student referendum was passed which would assess students and additional $6/credit hour fee to finance the needed improvements to the Memorial Union. These fees would first be assessed in Fall of 2004.

In 1995, with an eye to the future, President Hammond appointed a committee to study the Memorial Union and to make recommendations for a facility capable of serving FHSU well into the next century. During the past years, the committee has examined the past and present operation and several members toured other unions. Members also attended a seminar sponsored by the Association of College Unions International, designed to aid with renovations/remodeling projects.