Dahl Centennial Union was the sixth major building of the Ylvisaker administration. After preliminary planning by faculty and student committees, the college in 1958 engaged Porter Butts of the University of Wisconsin as a consultant. In September 1959, a student fee of $12.50 per semester for use of the Union was initiated. The federal government authorized a loan of $750,000. The structure with equipment was projected to cost $1,250,000. On May 17, 1960. ground was broken by Ronald S. Lee, class of 1961, student body president for 1960-1961, in a ceremony presided over by President Ylvisaker. Others who participated were Gordon A. Selbo, Paul H. Lionberger (class of 1949), Fayetta Paulsen, J. C. Magelssen (class of 1942), and Curtis A. Rotto (class of 1960). Construction began October 4, 1960. The cornerstone was laid May 5, 1961, by A. Alvon Nelson, class of 1929, who used Joshua 24:27 as his text: "And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God." This photo shows the cornerstone laying ceremony.

[Luther College 1861-1961, David T. Nelson, p 307]