The Washington University Union was formed in 1915 under the instigation of geology professor Walter McCourt. In May 1922, a constitution was drafted which established the intended purposes of the union.  The purpose of the union was to promote all the general activities which may be of interest to the affiliated associations and to the student body.  In particular, the purpose was to create and maintain an active interest in the University on the part of alumni and former students; to enlist their interest in, and support of , the University’s educational and social activities, and those of all the organizations associated with it; to maintain in cooperation with the University, an Alumni Office; to arrange meetings which would enlist the interest of students, alumni, former students and friends of the University; to publish an Alumni paper; to collect an endowment fund through direct gift or annual contributions, to be used for the benefit of the University.