At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater we love our alumni, but they did not have a separate building until 1979 when “plans for the Alumni Center…met final approval.” Construction began “as soon as the frost [was] out of the ground in April; and a tentative completion date [was] set for sometime in August.” [1] The original plan was for the Alumni Center to be attached to Hyer Hall and bring it back to its Old Main glory and size. [2] Instead a building was constructed just west of Hyer Hall [3] and built to resemble Old Main. [4] The building is 1,970 square feet, and houses “the officers of the alumni association and foundation.” [5] The basement space is set up to display “various handpaintings or campus landmarks” and “pictures of distinguished alumni.” [6]
UW-Madison Digital Archives Collection, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
The newly built Alumni Center was dedicated on Sunday, April 26, marking the 7th annual observance of Founders Day. The dedication took place at 3pm and the general public was invited. Remarks and speeches were given by Wallace E. Zastrow, director of University Relations, Chancellor James R. Connor, former Chancellors William L. Carter and Walker D. Wyman, architects Mark Pfaller and Roger Herbst, Del McGinnis, Alumni Association president, George A. Lambert, president of Wisconsin Board of Regents, and George A. Lambert, president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation. Festivities also included music by the UW-Whitewater Concert Choir and luncheon at the University Center with a speech by Dr. Robert M. O’Neil, the UW System President. [7]
[1] University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Alumni Center approved; construction begins in April,” The Royal Purple (Whitewater), February 20, 1980.
[2] University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Another year, more changes,” The Royal Purple (Whitewater), August 29, 1979.
[3] University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Campus plan nears approval,” The Royal Purple (Whitewater), October 31, 1979.
[4] University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Another year, more changes,” The Royal Purple (Whitewater), August 29, 1979.
[5] University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Another year, more changes,” The Royal Purple (Whitewater), August 29, 1979.
[6] University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, “Another year, more changes,” The Royal Purple (Whitewater), August 29, 1979.
[7] “Alumni Center Dedication Eyed,” The Whitewater Register (Whitewater), April 16, 1981.