Above, the National Memorial University, founded in 1900 by the Sons of Veterans, U.S.A., in memory of the soldiers and Patriotic Women of the Civil War. Its purpose was not only to educate, but also to instill patriotism in its students, and prepare them for an active role in American society. The University was closed in 1910.

The building was used as Roosevelt Elementary School. In the 1950's, the building became the home of Mason City Junior college and housed the junior college for twelve years. The building was torn down in 1979.

Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa
November, 1902

Colonel Sorter, Colonel Morris and J. E. E. Markley returned this morning from Chicago where they went to attend a meeting of the Memorial university board of trustees and to be present at the annual dinner of state camp No. 100, S. O. V. at the Sherman House.

In 2008, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War developed an educational course for Junior and Junior Associates, to continue the the noble cause of the Memorial University's original purpose. In 2009, the curriculum of Memorial University was expanded with the development of an Officer Training Course for members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. This course was a vision of Commander-in-Chief David V. Medert and was achieved through the efforts of a Special National Committee on Education and Leadership established by the 127th SUVCW National Encampment.

SOURCES:
Patterson's College & School Directory, 1905
www.suvcw.org/memuniv/memorialuniv.htm
www.niacc.edu/news/publish/08-2868.html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Iowa_Area_Community_College
The Globe-Gazette, Centennial Edition. June 01, 1953. p. 25.

Submission by Sharon R. Becker, February of 2011; updated December of 2014