Memorial Union Goes Green Just Before VEISHEA

's Memorial Union, a turn of the 20^th century building, received a 21^st century look just in time for VEISHEA.

Members of the ISU Horticulture and Landscape clubs through the cold rain on Friday to turn a roof over a service wing green. (click here for )

Miles Thompson, a senior studying horticulture, designed and led the student project. Thompson said he helped build a similar green roof project at Horticulture Hall and wanted to try another because of his interest in sustainability projects.

“I really liked the experience I had with the first one and thought this might be something I wanted to do (as a career,)” Thompson said.

The Memorial Union's service roof visible from the Multicultural Center seemed to be a perfect place.

It had a green roof, but it was unintentional. Moss grew over gravel pebbles that covered the structure, Thompson said.

Students worked in shifts covering the flat roof with trays of vegetation. The plants, a mix of sedum, will absorb 80 percent of rain water and hold it until it evaporates back into the atmosphere keeping it from entering the storm sewer, said Kerry Dixon-Fox, of Facilities, Planning and Management.

“The water that does run through is much cleaner and filtered,” Dixon-Fox said. “It's so much more attractive versus rocks.”

The Government of the Student Body gave $30,000 to the project and the Memorial Union contributed another $20,000, said Scott Maas, the Memorial Union's assistant director.

It's the Union's 12 addition, if a new roof counts. The Union, a center for student activities and home to the Iowa State University book store, started out as a student driven project too. Just after the end of World War I students wanted to create a living war memorial for the students who died in service. Students rallied behind the project and the Union and its Gold Star Hall opened in 1928. The building has seen 11 additions since.

Thompson said he hopes the new roof inspires his fellow students to carry out any good ideas they might have.

“Anything can be done,” Thompson said.

VEISHEA's Opening Ceremony & Awards take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Sun Room at the Memorial Union. For more go to VEISHEA.IASTATE.EDU