University of Kansas - Jayhawker Yearbook (Lawrence, KS)

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A new time capsule and restored WWI memorial ended a six-year renovation and reopened the The six-year, two-phase renovation of the Kansas Union culminated in two celebrations: the Interment and Rededication of the 1925 Memorial Cornerstone on Oct. 1 ; and the Grand Opening of the Union and the placement of the 1993 Student Time Capsule on Oct. 15. Planning began in 1984, and first- phase renovations took place from 1987 until 1989. The second phase lasted from 1988 to 1993. The $1 1.5 million project renovated the second level bookstore, third level cafeteria and the fourth level lobby, offices, and Alderson Auditorium. Union Operations Supervisor Bill Towns said the update of the building was needed because of larger numbers of students. There was also the need for a more modern building with handicap accesibilty. The purpose of the renovations was not just cosmetic. The Union is now easier for all students to use. We expanded services and made it safer and more logical, Towns said. The first ceremony rededicated the Union to KU students and alumni who died in World War I. The items memorializing them were placed in a copper box and sealed in the corner- Tin The purpose of the renovations was not just cosmetic. We services and made it safer and more logical. Bill Towns, Union Operations Supervi- stone of the building in 1926. Because the contents of the box were damaged from age and water seepage, they were replicated and rein- terred. In addition to the restored artifacts, a medal commemorating the 75th Anniversary of! World War I was given to the ROTC for placement in the memorial. Jim Long, Director of the Kansas and Burge Unions, said the event was a somber occasion as we remembered the original 130 students and alumni who lost their lives in the war. One of the highlights of the ceremony , was to have in attendance at the inter- ment eight surviving family members from those who had been killed. The Oct. 15 Grand Opening of the Union involved the placement of the new time capsule, sealed in the 1 993 cornerstone. The 83-item capsule contained items commemorating the year and significant events of the time period. Students from campus organizations and University officials personalized the event by individually placing items into the time capsule. The capsule will be opened in 2050. The ceremonies showed that the Union not only recognizes heritage in the reinterment, but also recognizes the future by recording current society for those tomorrow, Long said. 1 X Union Renovation

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Area residents jumped into an eight foot pool where water col- lected at the train bridge and North Second Street. Photo by Doug Hesse Floodwaters 1

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The newly renovated Kansas Union Photo by Richard Devincki Xioxw The Kansas Union grand opening included a cake big enough for all. Photo by Richard Devincki Union Renovation 19