Memorial Union Announces New Mission, Vision, and Values

by Steve Winfrey, Memorial Union Director

In year 91 of The Memorial Union’s history, we have dedicated effort and heart to redefining who we are so that we can meet the ever-changing needs of Iowa State students both now and in the future. We thought big: “What is our role on campus in the next 20 years?” And we thought little: “What information should we include on our nametags so that we are approachable?” We also reviewed research on where higher education is headed, and we talked to students – past, current, and prospective. We spent a lot of time discussing the importance of belonging, and the fact that if students don’t feel like they belong, they aren’t going to flourish at Iowa State. And then, armed with all that research and discussion, we applied all we’ve learned to redefining our Memorial Union Mission, Vision, and Values.

Our Mission

We complete the college experience by developing leadership, community, and career readiness.

Our Vision

The Memorial Union will be known for transformative experiences, engaging programs, impressive facilities, outstanding services, and collaborative partnerships that align with the academic mission of campus.

As engaged global citizens, students will remember us as a key component in their personal success, as a living memorial, and as a community where all feel welcomed, valued, and have a voice.

Our Values

Service From customer service to service learning, we think of others first, and we recognize their work and their worth.

Inclusion We are a welcoming harbor for all thoughts, ideas, opinions, individuals, and communities, and we share their stories.

Creativity We generate new ideas to solve problems, communicate, and engage.

Innovation We adapt and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of students.

Lifelong Learning We foster memorable learning experiences beyond the classroom that can supplement classwork, life skills, career readiness, and personal fulfillment for all ages.

With this shift, the Memorial Union more clearly defines our purpose to support Iowa State students and our community while retaining our role as a living memorial. By focusing on career-readiness and academic partnerships in addition to developing community and leadership,  we are bending and broadening the traditional definition of what student unions do – but that transformation will enable us to meet the evolving needs of students. Our goal is for students to leave their time here thinking, “Not only did I get a degree from Iowa State – the Memorial Union changed my life.”