by Travis Jones

I have been and employee of the MU for just over a year now. It has been my privilege to serve this building and the guests who make us of it. Most of the time, I’m cleaning up after people when they leave, or getting the place ready for them to meet. But I know that this building is the heart of the campus, and that is what makes it special.

I love the building itself, and what it stands for, being built as a monument to those who sacrificed  to make out freedom possible. I have seen this freedom expressed in a variety of circumstances, from groups and classes meeting to learn and discuss, to patriotic and artistic or cultural displays. There have been concerts, art exhibits, speakers, movies, protests, politicians, and laureates in this building. All are welcome and everyone is free to be themselves. There is such a broad spectrum of cultures and views which are expressed nowhere else on campus. All of this made possible because we have the freedom to come together and gather in this place.

I have enjoyed taking part in some of the events which have happened here. Also, I have come to the MU for no other reason than to eat or relax. Every time I come in, there are people to see and visit with. I’ve been able to tell people something about the building and how them around, all the better with increasing familiarity with the place. I see the students and those from the community able to spend a good portion of their day here. Sometimes, alumni show up and just look around, with fond memories of this place. Parents arrive with their young college kids, taking in the sites and setting their children on their course in life. Many come in just because it is a part of their daily routine, not really concerned with all that is going on about them. They are a part of what makes the MU special, too, because they are also a part of the fabric of this place.

I would have to say that the spirit of the Memorial Union is freedom. I see it every day in every person who walks through the door. Not everyone expresses it in the same way, but wouldn’t this world be a boring place of we all did. Some of the events or people I’ve seen have even been contrary to what I would consider normal or right. Most, I may not even give special notice to, since I sometimes get jaded by familiarity of this place. But, I pray that this spirit of freedom may continue long after I am done doing my part to keep the place functioning for all who would come and be a part of the Memorial Union.