The University of Kansas will celebrate a century of the Kansas Union with events open to the public, including glow-in-the-dark mini golf and a bowling alley, a casino night and cake galore.
“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,” according to a KU news release.
KU students began calling for a gathering space in the 1910s, and by 1921, the university laid the cornerstone for the Kansas Union as a memorial to the Jayhawks who died serving in WWI. Today the union hosts KU Bookstores, Dining, Event Services and more.
Here’s a full list of centennial events:
• “Union After Dark” from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 1:
The first floor of the union hosted a bowling alley for 62 years, until 2015. Union staff will semi-restore the original alley for a night of glow-in-the-dark bowling, mini golf, free treats and a silent disco. The union is located at 1301 Jayhawk Blvd.
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• “Legacy of Love” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, March 23:
The Danforth Chapel, 1405 Jayhawk Blvd., has been a nondenominational worship space since 1946. It’s also a popular site for weddings and ceremonies, so attendees can explore the space while making flour bouquets and eating wedding cake samples.
• “Burge Bash” from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 25:
The Burge Union, 1565 Irving Hill Road, has functioned as a satellite union since 1979. Staff will host a casino night with raffles and prizes.
• “Union 100th Birthday Party” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 30:
On the anniversary of the union cornerstone, a centennial birthday party will include party favors and a “special birthday treat.” The event will be on Ascher Plaza, outside of the Kansas Union.
• “Union 100th Celebration” from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 13:
The union will host a cake-cutting ceremony on Ascher Plaza, and guests can check out the union’s new renovations on the fourth floor. People can also bid on renderings of the union.
• “Baby Jay Celebration” from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 6:
Baby Jay debuted at a football game on Oct. 9, 1971. Guests can sign a birthday card for Baby Jay and enjoy a sweet treat. This will also occur on Ascher Plaza.
Learn more about these events and find updates at this link.
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