MUB History

The design and planning of the Memorial Union Building started in 1947. After a successful fundraiser of $200,000 (equivalent to $2.8 million in 2024), the board of trustees approved a 1.3 million dollar loan (equivalent to $12.7 million in 2024). Once approved by all funds, the MUB was constructed in 1952 as a tribute to the students, faculty, and alumni who served in World War II and the Korean War. During the construction, 1,200 students attended MTU, and the MUB was designed to be the central hub of student activities and social gatherings along with academic events. 

Over the years with the rise of STEM, Michigan Tech saw an increase of students entering, causing a major renovation of the MUB in 1987 to accommodate. Since then, several smaller renovation projects have included updates to facilities, technology, dining, suites, and aesthetic appeal. The biggest renovation that occurred was in 2014. The John Edgar McAllister Welcome Center was an addition consisting of a 3,000-square-foot addition to the South Side of the Memorial Union Building (MUB). Along with this addition, another 1,500-square-foot addition was on the main level. This space created a new Admissions Office to host campus visitors.

Today in 2024, the MUB still stands tall as a symbol of Michigan Tech. It remains a vital part of campus life that includes a wide variety of amenities and services, offices, dining, meeting spaces, facilities, and stores, and plays many more roles.