Podcast Episode 116 – Celebrating 100 Years of History at The Purdue Memorial Union

SUMMARY 

“This Is Purdue,” the official podcast for Purdue University, highlights stories about Boilermakers from across all disciplines, who through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap. 

Hosted by Purdue University alum, Brian Lamb School of Communication graduate, and Indiana native Kate Young, “This Is Purdue” aims to examine all of the incredible accomplishments of Boilermakers and their contributions to the world. 

Below, you’ll find helpful information, stories, and social media content regarding this episode of “This Is Purdue.” 

STRATEGY 

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Bob Mindrum, former director of the Purdue Memorial Union and author of “Purdue Memorial Union, The First 100 Years, 1924 to 2024.” 

The Purdue Memorial Union — a longtime centerpiece of Purdue’s campus — is celebrating its 100th anniversary on Sept. 9, 2024.  

In this episode you will: 

  • Learn about the history of the iconic Purdue Memorial Union from its fundraising efforts in the early 1900s to the newest renovations, like the Purdue Union Club Hotel. 
  • Explore the symbolic architecture by Pond & Pond architects, who also designed the unions at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and the University of Kansas. 
  • Discover why PMU became a memorial for the Boilermaker military community and the ways this military significance is represented throughout the Union.  
  • Get to know how the Union has served students over the decades from socializing at events like Singleton Shuffles and junior proms to gathering for concerts by popular musicians like Frank Sinatra and Sonny & Cher to studying in the East and West Main lounges. 
  • Find out how the PMU will continue to serve future generations of Boilermakers. 

If you’re interested in history, you’re in for a treat with this episode, Boilermakers! Join us in celebrating 100 years of this beloved campus icon. 

RESOURCES INCLUDE: 

  • Links to the podcast 
  • Social graphics 
  • Suggested social post copy 

LINKS and UTM PARAMETERS 

When linking to Purdue websites from social platforms or emails, we recommend that you add UTM parameters to the URL in order to provide reporting on the activity. The Marketing and Communications campaign URL builder allows you to easily configure these links and even request shortened Purdue-branded links. 

UTM campaign: this_is_purdue_PMU_100_years 

UTM medium: Social (or email) 

UTM source: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram (or email newsletter name) 

Link to the podcast: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/celebrating-100-years-of-the-purdue-memorial-union  

General podcast page: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/ 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-purdue/id1496040232 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1npQBIaTzFnCvDlzeiNV7j?si=h0K1NkdwTMeu-MlzckGaHw 

AVAILABLE ASSETS 

The following assets are available for download and use. Social assets include files for Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Instagram Stories. 

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE POSTING TIPS 

Digital engagement is a powerful platform to share Purdue stories and posts with past, present and future Boilermakers. Here are some tips to help your posts shine: 

  • Keep posts short and direct 
  • Link all posts back to our landing page 
  • Include photos, videos or GIFs 
  • Use short URLs 

SUGGESTED SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS 

LinkedIn + Facebook  

  1. On our latest episode of #ThisIsPurdue, we’re exploring the rich 100-year history and tradition behind the @PurdueMemorialUnion. If you’re interested in history, you’re in for a treat with this episode, Boilermakers! Tune in to discover the history of this beloved landmark, the military significance behind its name and the symbolic architecture throughout the building. What’s your favorite #PMU memory? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️ <link> #PMU100 
  1. “On Sept. 9, 1924, the Purdue Memorial Union opened … this magnificent building emerged out of fairly barren farmland, and I can only imagine the impact it had on the Purdue community.” Do you remember how it felt stepping into the @PurdueMemorialUnion for the first time? Imagine what that felt like for #Boilermakers 100 years ago. Celebrate PMU’s 100th birthday today by listening to this special episode of #ThisIsPurdue. Learn how the Union has served students over the decades from socializing at events like Singleton Shuffles and junior proms to gathering for concerts by popular musicians like Frank Sinatra and Sonny & Cher. <link> #PMU100 
  1. Ready for a journey through the decades? ⏳ Take a look at how the Purdue Memorial Union has changed over the past 100 years. From the Singleton Shuffle dances of the 1920s to the acoustic coffeehouse vibes of the 1970s to an astronaut reunion in 2019, as the events held at the Union changed over time, its purpose in the #Purdue community remains the same — bringing together #Boilermakers. Learn more stories about the rich history of PMU on our latest #ThisIsPurdue podcast episode:  <link> #PMU100 

Instagram 

  1. On our latest episode of #ThisIsPurdue, we’re diving into the rich 100-year history and tradition of the @purduememorialunion including how the beloved landmark came to be, the military significance behind its name, the biggest changes over the years and more! What’s your favorite #PMU memory? Share it in the comments below! Listen at the 🔗 in bio. #PMU100 
  1. Ready for a journey through the decades? ⏳ Take a look at how the @purduememorialunion has changed over the past 100 years. From the Singleton Shuffle dances of the 1920s to the acoustic coffeehouse vibes of the 1970s to an astronaut reunion in 2019, as the events held at the Union changed over time, its purpose in the #Purdue community remains the same — bringing together #Boilermakers. Learn more stories about the rich history of PMU on our latest #ThisIsPurdue podcast episode:  <link> #PMU100 

Twitter 

  1. On our latest #ThisIsPurdue episode, discover the rich 100-year history of the @PurdueUnion! Learn how the beloved landmark came to be, the significance behind its name, the biggest changes over the years and more. 🎧 <link> 
  1. Do you remember stepping into the @PurdueUnion for the first time? Imagine what that felt like for #Boilermakers 100 years ago! Celebrate PMU’s 100th birthday today by listening to this special episode of #ThisIsPurdue: <link> 
  1. Ready for a journey through the decades? Take a look at how the @PurdueUnion has changed over the past 100 years! ⏳Learn about the history of the Purdue Memorial Union on our latest episode of #ThisIsPurdue — the official university podcast. 🎧 <link> 

TAGGING RECOMMENDATIONS 

Please tag Purdue University and use the hashtag #ThisIsPurdue 

Facebook: @PurdueUniversity 
Twitter: @lifeatpurdue 
Instagram: @lifeatpurdue 

Other tagging options include: 

@PurdueMemorialUnion (FB, IG) 

@PurdueUnion (TW) 

CAMPAIGN SPECIFIC HASHTAGS 

#ThisIsPurdue 

#PMU100 

CAMPUSWIDE HASHTAGS 

#PurdueUniversity 

#MySmallStep = Student stories 

#MyGiantLeap = Faculty/Alumni stories 
 
EMOJIS 
🎧🚂🆙