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University Memorial Center at the University of Colorado, Boulder opened its doors in October 1953 with President Robert L. Stearns presiding over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Dignitaries and citizens from across the state gathered with the students, faculty and staff to celebrate the building's dedication. Pundits of the day described the building as "opulent" and "breathtaking," and the UMC quickly became the central jewel of the Boulder campus.

The University continued to grow with Colorado's healthy economy. A 1964 addition created a new book store, conference facilities, additional dining facilities, and offices to house the rapidly growing student activities and organizations. The expansion was financed through bonds guaranteed by student fees.

The 1960s and '70s put the UMC at the center of student activism as students staged strikes, grape boycotts, love-ins, sit-ins, and walk-outs. The UMC Fountain Court (now the Dalton Trumbo Fountain Court ) became a familiar sight to network television news watchers as the famous and notorious promoted their cause at CU-Boulder.

Entertainers as diverse as Ramsey Lewis and the Grateful Dead were hosted in the Glenn Miller Ballroom and the list of concerts is truly impressive. B.B. King , The Association , Warren Zevon , Karla Bonoff , Taj Mahal , The Band , Chubby Checker , Del Shannon , The Grass Roots , Don McLean , Stanley Turrentine , Les McCann , Tommy Bolin , Zephyr , Firefall , Woody Herman , Chuck Mangione , Steve Miller , and Ozark Mountain Daredevils are among the extensive list of performers who played to sold-out audiences in the ballroom.

In 1986, students passed another bond issue to remodel the food services area. The Alferd Packer Grill was transformed to the current food court concept and students have since enjoyed the addition of other vendors including Subway, Dominos, and Celestial Seasonings Teas and Coffees.

Through the changes of 50 years, the UMC remains the University's living room. With the Expansion and Renovation Project completed in Spring, 2002, the UMC continues to remain the place that students visit to relax, eat and meet people.


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