Coffman Union History

Inspired by President Lotus Delta Coffman's statement in 1935 that, "some day, the University of Minnesota will have a Student Union as the center of its social life," Coffman Memorial Union opened its doors for the first time on October 4, 1940. For the next 34 years, the building did just that - provided a place on campus for students to socialize, relax, and find entertainment. Coffman Memorial Union featured a Main Ballroom accommodating up to 1,200 dancers, a bowling alley, cards and chess gameroom, billiards room, and men's and women's lounges.

Renovations

As the student body grew, so did the need for a bigger student union that could accommodate up to 42,000 students. Coffman's first renovation took place in the early 1970's at a total cost of $7 million. Coffman continued to offer many of the same services, thus didn't serve the growing and changing needs of students. The period of time following the renovation showed Coffman to be less of the social center on campus and more of a spot to take care of errands and relax in between classes.

In 1998, efforts to revitalize the social atmosphere of the union began. Coffman's Board of Governors began lobbying for a complete renovation that would update Coffman with more of the services students wanted. Coffman's doors closed for renovation on November 16, 1999. After a comprehensive renovation, Coffman reopened its doors January 21, 2003 kicking off a semester-long celebration including concerts by Mason Jennings, Second City Improv Comedy Troupe, and hip-hop Grammy Nominee Nappy Roots; lectures by director Kevin Smith and author Tim Cahill; and a theatrical performance called "How to Talk Minnesotan."

Historical Events

Learn more information on Coffman's renovation and history.

• In 1940, Coffman opened its doors for the first time becoming the “living room on campus”.
• In 1943 during WWII, an Army Specialized Training Program was established in CMU, providing a mess-hall, emergency hospital, recruiting center and servicemen's center.
• In 1964, following John F. Kennedy's assassination, Coffman hosted a traveling exhibit of the proposed J.F.K. Library.
• In 1970, the Cambodian Protest Strike was staged at CMU in protest against the U.S. invasion of Cambodia, the escalation of the Vietnam War, and the Kent State killings. Two years later, Coffman was the backdrop to the most violent anti-Vietnam protest at the U to date, leading to the occupation of campus by the National Guard.
• Early 1970s, Coffman's first renovation took place at a total cost of $7 million.
• In 1999, Coffman Union closed for an extensive renovation on November 16, 1999, and reopened its doors on January 21, 2003, kicking off a semester-long celebration of Events.
• In 2009, Student unions were a hub for the most recent inauguration of President Barack Obama. The Coffman theater, St. Paul theater, Whole Music Club, commuter lounge, and Mississippi Room were filled with students, staff and faculty viewing the historical event.
• From 1944 to present, Coffman has hosted visitors such as John D. Rockefeller, Earl Warren, Eleanor Roosevelt, Myrna Loy, Haille Selassie (Emperor of Ethiopia), the Shah of Iran, Patricia Nixon, Allen Ginsberg, Ralph Nader, Jesse Jackson, and Noam Chomsky.

Past Performers

• Green Day
• Liz Phair
• Bonnie Raitt
• Lucinda Williams
• Leo Kottke
• The Replacements
• The Gear Daddies
• Sound Garden
• Soul Asylum
• Nada Surf
• Sondre Lerche
• Soul Coughing