students near fireplace

History of the IMU

The Iowa Memorial Union has been the cornerstone of campus life since it was built in the early 1900s. Plenty of notable visitors have roamed the halls through the years and through the several additions that the IMU has had in its history.

Explore the History of the IMU
Historical photo of soldiers in front of the Old Capitol

Memorials at the IMU

Several memorials can be found around the IMU. The Memorial Honor Roll in the Hubbard Commons recognizes the students and alumni of The University of Iowa who have given their lives in service to the nation as members of the armed forces.

View the Memorial Honor Roll

100,000

lbs of food distributed from the IMU food pantry

1,195

Hours of events put on by Campus Activities Board(CAB)

Our vision

The IMU will be known for student success and learning, inclusive programs and activities, exceptional hospitality and service, and trusted campus and community partnerships.

Mission, Values & Vision

aerial view of the iowa memorial union during flood

IMU Flood Recovery

After a lengthy recovery process, the IMU Ground Floor re-opened to the public on June 1, 2015. The new 83,000-square-foot ground floor offers a variety of new features including the Union Station Food Court, Hawkeye student lounge, and the River Terrace.

Bridging Our World

Bridging Our World is a display featuring the flags of the countries represented by international students attending the university during the academic semester.

When on display, the flag-lined footbridge is a symbol recognizing the University of Iowa’s international students and their significant role in the life of the university and community.

Learn More

Upcoming Events at the IMU

Smash Weekly Tournament promotional image

Smash Weekly Tournament

Friday, September 22, 2023 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
A weekly Smash tournament in the HawkeyEsports arcade! Entering is free and open to everyone, including non-students. Fun events and casual games are from 5pm-7pm and the tournament is from 7pm-11pm.
Koru Mindfulness for College Students promotional image

Koru Mindfulness for College Students

Monday, September 25, 2023 7:00pm to 8:15pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
Koru Mindfulness® is an evidence-based curriculum specifically designed for teaching mindfulness, meditation, and stress management to college students and other young adults. The Koru Mindfulness program… is taught in four weekly 75-minute classes (a brief model to accommodate busy student schedules) is structured with daily homework of a mindfulness log and 10 minutes of mindfulness practice is taught in small groups Register here: https://studentwellness.uiowa.edu/programs/mindfulness...
McGranahan Lecture Jelani Cobb promotional image

McGranahan Lecture Jelani Cobb

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 7:30pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
Historian and Peabody Award-winning journalist Jelani Cobb emerges as a clear voice in the fight for a better America. A PBS Frontline correspondent for two critically acclaimed documentaries, Cobb explores the complexities of race and inequality, while offering guidance and hope for the future. A longtime writer for The New Yorker, Cobb’s work is described as having the “rigor and depth of a professional historian with the alertness of a reporter, the liberal passion of an engaged public intellectual, and the literary flair of a fine writer.”
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