The Memorial Union, or MU as it is familiarly called, serves as the campus community center for students, faculty, staff and guests of Arizona State University. When the MU first opened its doors in 1956, the facility offered 109,000 square feet accommodating the nearly 6,000 enrolled students. A plaque near the north entrance doorway lists the major donors who contributed to the initial construction. ASU chose the name "Memorial Union" to serve as a living memorial for those who have courageously served our country in the military services. In remembrance of the building's first director, Cecelia Scoular, the study lounge located on the main level was named in her honor. Since its opening, the MU has undergone a number of renovation projects as well as several additions to the original structure. Today the building totals about 254,000 square feet which serves a growing student body averaging 60,000. The MU serves as the central meeting and conference center for registered student organizations, campus departments and at various times of the year, organizations and business from the larger community. Reservations for meeting rooms in the MU are made through Event and Meeting Services located on the main level behind the Information Desk. In addition, mall/lawn space reservations and the ASU Catering sales office are located within the Event and Meeting Services office.
