The building was officially dedicated by Judge James K. Weatherford, chair of the OAC Board of Regents.

[2] It is of Neoclassical design, with an exterior built mainly with red-colored bricks with white granite accents including a dome in the center.

"[4] It has been "known to generations of Oregon Staters as simply the MU", and "was built in 1927-28 as a monument to those who have given their lives in defense of the nation, as well as a center for student life on campus.

"[4] The building was funded entirely with private donations and gifts at a cost of around $750,000, and a $3 per term assessment Oregon State students implemented beginning in January 1922.

[4] The east and west wings (restaurant and commons) are later additions, having been added in 1960 and extensively renovated in the 1990s; the MU was owned by the Memorial Union Corporation until 1965 when it transferred the facility to the State Board of Higher Education.