The 纪念联盟 is a vital part of the educational and social life of the university and the greater Emporia community. As an integral part of the university, and in partnership with the city of Emporia, the 纪念联盟 serves as a unifying force, cultivating enduring regard for, 以及对, 恩波里亚州立大学.

When the 恩波里亚州立大学 纪念联盟 opened on February 15, 1925, it became the first student union building west of the Mississippi River, the second “memorial” union, and the eighth student union in North America. The idea of a student union was new in the years immediately following World War I. The campus community wanted to commemorate the lives of our students lost in the Great War and the 1898 Spanish-American War.

A student union would be a suitable utility memorial underpinned by a student developmental philosophy. It would serve the campus as a “living room” for life outside the classroom. Students and 教师 organized to raise funds to build the original 1925 structure and a planned phase two KSTC Colonial Ballroom which would open in May of 1929. Early amenities included 会议 rooms, lounges, a laundry, and barbershop.

Over the decades, the 纪念联盟 has grown in size. Four major additions kept pace with the growing enrollment. Student needs were met whether it was a fully appointed soda fountain following WWII or wireless technology essential today. In 2010, the union underwent a comprehensive renovation adapting to serve the needs of future generations of Hornets. The 纪念联盟 has been rededicated through the years to honor the service and sacrifice of student-veterans in WWII, 韩国, 越南, 沙漠风暴, 伊拉克和阿富汗.

The 纪念联盟 today celebrates over 90 years of service. The three-level structure contains 168,000 square feet of space devoted to conference, 餐厅, 会议, recreational and lounge facilities. The 纪念联盟 continues to serve as the hub and center of campus life at Emporia State, and additionally serves as the premiere conference center in the Flint Hills.

董事会

The 纪念联盟 is a not-for-profit corporation governed by a 董事会. The Executive Vice President of Operations and Economic Development serves as the President of the 纪念联盟 董事会 and conducts the board 会议s. The board consists of 教师, students and administrators.