Auburn University building names, namesakes

Note: This is not a complete list, but covers most of Auburn’s buildings.

Allison Physics Lab — Dr. Fred Allison (1882-1974), head of the Auburn physics department and dean of the graduate school, discovered astatine (originally called alabamine), named for him in the 1960s.

Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum — Originally called Memorial Coliseum, in memory of the Auburn veterans who died, renamed in 1987 for Joel H. Eaves (1914-), the school’s all-time winningest coach. Six years later, Jeff Beard was added to honor the former athletic director (1951-72).

Biggin Hall — Frederic Child Biggin, the first dean of the School of Architecture. Built in 1951, was original home of the school. Current home of art department.

Boyd Res. Hall (The Hill) — wife of Auburn’s fifth president, David F. Boyd (1883-84).

Broun Res. Hall (The Quad) — built 1938, Katherine (Kate) Conway Broun (1873-1952), daughter of Auburn’s fourth president, William LeRoy. Broun. Led fight for Auburn to admit women, became one of the first women to attend API, graduated 1894.

Broun Hall — William LeRoy Broun, Auburn’s fourth president (1882-83, 1884-1902). Built in 1984, current home of electrical engineering department.

Cary Hall — Dr. Charles Cary, who in 1892 helped establish the department of physiology and veterinary science at API, appointed department head in 1893, department became the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1907 and Cary was appointed dean, which he served as until 1935. It opened in 1939 as veterinary medicine building.

Cater Hall — Katharine Cooper Cater, dean of women (1946-76) and dean of student life and social director (76-80). Built in 1915 as president’s home, became the Social Center for the women’s dormitory in 1938, renamed for Cater a few months before her death in 1980.

Comer Hall — Braxton B. Comer (1848-1927), Alabama governor (1907-11). Built in 1910, it now houses the administrative offices for the College of Agriculture and related programs.

Corley Building — Tom E. Corley, Auburn alumnus, served as associate professor and professor of ag engineering, retired in 1984 from AU as an associate director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station .

Davis Arboretum — Donald E. Davis led efforts for arboretum in 1963.

Dawson Building — Chief Millard E. Dawson served as campus police chief (1951-81), building renamed for him in 1993.

Dixon Conference Center — Charles and Thelma Dixon from Andalusia were major contributors to Auburn. Following the death of Charles, Thelma provided financing to construct the hotel and conference center, which was in built in 1989.

Dobbs Res. Hall — Zoe Dobbs, former dean of women and professor of English and education, named for her in the 1960s.

Dowdell Res. Hall (The Quad) — built 1952, Letitia Dowdell Ross (1866-1952), wife of Auburn’s second president, James F. Dowdell (1866-72).

Draughon (Caroline) Village Ext. — Caroline Marshall Draughon (1910-), wife of Auburn’s 10th president, played a crucial role in linking faculty, students and alumni to the university, establishing a freshman reception, founding the Dames Club for wives of male students after World War II and establishing Campus Club, a service and social organization. Also, the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities.

Draughon Library — Ralph B. Draughon, Auburn’s 10th president (1947-65) and a moving force behind the construction of the original portion of the library.

Dudley Hall — Ralph Dudley, partly funded what is now home to the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, graduated from Auburn with engineering degree in 1905, named in 1977.
Duncan Hall — Luther N. Duncan, Auburn’s 9th president (1935-47), also Duncan Drive.

Dunstan Hall — built in 1959, Arthur St. Charles Dunstan, head professor of electrical engineering and physics in the 1900’s. Currently part of the College of Engineering.

Foy Student Union — James E. Foy (1916-), beloved Auburn dean of student affairs, (1950-78). Also, Foy-ODK (Omicron Delta Kappa) Sportsmanship Award. Since 1948, the trophy has been given to the winner of the annual Iron Bowl. Foy’s name was added in 1978 upon his retirement.

Funchess Hall — Marion Jacob Funchess came to API as an assistant professor of agriculture in 1909, named professor of agronomy in 1915 and served as head of department from 1920-34. Formed the foundation of the College of Agriculture at AU and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES) having served as dean of the college and director of the AAES for 26 years (1924-50). In 1961, the largest classroom and laboratory building built on the AU campus at that time was named in his honor. Today, Funchess Hall is the home to the departments of agronomy and soils and horticulture.

Glenn Res. Hall (the Quad) — built 1952, Marie “Allie” Allen Glenn (1866-1953), served as API’s treasurer for 47 years before her death, her father and grandfather also served as treasurer

Goodwin Music Hall — James W. and Virginia M. Goodwin donated the funds for the music building. Alumnus James told Auburn President Harry Philpott before the 1972 Iron Bowl that he would fund the second phase of the music building if Auburn won. Auburn pulled off the stunning upset in what became known as the ‘Punt Bama Punt’ game and Goodwin gave $1 million to finish the project.

Gorrie Center — M. Miller Gorrie, 1957 graduate, chairman and CEO of Brasfield & Gorrie Construction Company, home for the department of building science since 2006

Graves Amphitheater — David Bibb Graves (1873-1942), the first Alabama governor to serve two four-year terms.

Greene Hall — James E. Greene, former dean of veterinary medicine, home of college

Haley Center — Paul S. Haley (1880-1968) graduated from Auburn in 1901, best known for his 51 years of service as a trustee.

Harbert Center — John M. Harbert III (1921-), founder, chairman and CEO of the Harbert Corporation and 1946 Auburn graduate, made a $5 million gift .

Hargis Hall — Estes H. Hargis (1895-1966), attended Auburn from 1915-17, but earned degrees elsewhere to be a doctor. Retired from private practice in 1960 and was awarded an honorary doctor of science degree from Auburn in 1965.

Harper Res. Hall (the Quad) — build 1938, Elizabeth Taylor Harper Flanagan (1818-79), when asked to suggest a name for a new settlement in east Alabama, young “Lizzie” Taylor wrote Thomas Harper, son of the settlement founder and her future husband, and said to name it ‘Sweet Auburn, loveliest village on the plains.’

Hinton Field — Dr. Wilbur “Bodie” Hinton, longtime marching band director, became head of music department in 1969. The Hinton Award is awarded annually to the senior who best demonstrates the “Spirit and Excellence that is the Auburn University Marching Band.” Band’s practice field is the Wilbur “Bodie” Hinton Field

Hoerlein Small Animal Clinic — Benjamin Franklin Hoerlein (1921-87), the founder and first director of the Scott-Ritchey Research Center, named during Philpott years

Hollifield Res. Hall (The Hill) — Mollie Hollifield Jones (1884-1963) Auburn native, API grad 1902, author “Auburn: Loveliest Village on the Plains,” donated the lot next to her home to the city for the first library

Hutsell Track — Wilbur Hutsell, Auburn’s first head track coach (1921-63), named in 1970, 10 years before his death

Hutsell-Rosen Track & Field — Auburn’s first two head track coaches, Wilbur Hutsell, who served Auburn for 42 years, and Mel Rosen, who was head coach for the next 28 years before stepping down to serve as head coach of the 1992 United States Men’s Olympic team.

Ingram Hall — William Travis Ingram (1902-83), began as auditor in 1925, became business manager and treasurer, known for years as Alumni Hall, completed in 1924 as a dormitory, first for men and later for women. Following renovation in 1987-88, building was renamed for Ingram, who retired in 1973 after 48 years.

Jordan-Hare Stadium — Ralph “Shug” Jordan (1910-80) and Clifford Leroy Hare (1869-1948). Jordan was Auburn’s winningest football coach ever, was first active head coach to have a stadium named for him, served on the Board of Trustees. Also, Shug Jordan Parkway. Hare was a member of Auburn’s first football team in 1892, president of the old Southern Conference, longtime chairman of Auburn’s Faculty Athletic Committee, dean of the school of chemistry, and state chemist from 1930-48. He taught physical and organic chemistry at Auburn for 50 years. He also was an Auburn city councilman. The Cliff Hare Award, established in his memory, is given annually to the outstanding senior athlete. Auburn Stadium was renamed Cliff Hare Stadium in 1949. Renamed Jordan-Hare Stadium in 1973. Also, in 2005, Pat Dye Field named for Dye (1939 -), Auburn’s famed football coach from 1981-92.

Keller Res. Hall (The Quad) — built 1952, Alabama native Helen Keller (1880-1968)

Kreher Forest Preserve — 110-acres donated in 1993 by Dr. Louise Turner and her husband Frank.

Lane Res. Hall (The Quad) — built 1952, Mary Lane Petrie (1876-1942), wife of George, professor, first football coach and author of the “Auburn Creed.”

Langdon Hall and Annex — Charles Carter Langdon (1805-89) Auburn trustee from 1872-89.

Leischuck Res. Hall (The Hill) — Emily Reaves Leischuck, an Auburn alumna (1964) and the longtime assistant to three Auburn presidents (Bailey, Martin, Muse) and Board of Trustees

Little Res. Hall (The Quad) — built 1938, Willie Gertrude Little (1873-1949), one of the first women admitted to API, graduated 1894, daughter of Auburn’s mayor

Lowder Business Building — Edward L. Lowder and Catherine K. Lowder Business Building, the parents of longtime Auburn Trustee and 1964 alumnus Bobby Lowder, home of the College of Business
Lupton Res. Hall (The Quad) — built 1952, Ella Allemong Lupton (1831-1906)

Mary Martin Hall — Mary E. Martin (1878-1963), Auburn’s librarian from 1918-49, completed in 1910 as a Carnegie Library, first building on campus constructed for primary use as a library, converted to administrative use in 1963.

Martin Aquatics Center — Dr. James E. Martin (1932-), Auburn class of 1954, 14th president (1984-92) and a key player in the project’s undertaking, named in 1994

McAdory Large Animal Clinic — Isaac Sadler McAdory (1882-1952), second dean of vet med, served Auburn for 48 years

McWhorter Center for Women’s Athletics — Earlon, 1968 alumnus and trustee since 2001, and wife, Betty, McWhorter donated $2.5 million donation for construction of a new facility to replace the old Auburn Sports Arena in 1999

Mell Hall — built 1925, Annie White Mell (1849-1920), wife of botany and geology professor Patrick H. Mell.

Miller Hall — Emerson R. Miller, the first assistant professor of pharmacy at API, occupied in 1952, dedicated in 1953, first building designed and built exclusively for pharmacy on campus.

Moore Field — Auburn Softball Complex renamed Jane B. Moore Field in 2002 in honor of Dr. Moore who served more than 20 years as a member of Auburn’s Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics.

Nichols Center — William F. Nichols (1918-88) attended Auburn on a full scholarship, served in the U.S. Army during WWII, awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, served eight years in the Alabama Legislature and then elected to Congress, served as AU trustee from 1968 until his death.

Overton Auditorium/Rudd Student Center — John W. Overton (1913-82) and Joy G. Rudd (1954-). Overton was a 1935 grad, served on BOT from 1959-71. Rudd is the daughter of the Jimmy and Virginia Goodwin, who donated money for the Goodwin Music Building, and a 1976 grad.

Owen Res. Hall (The Quad) — Marie Bankhead Owen (1869-1958), appointed director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History in 1920, succeeding her last husband, Thomas McAdory Owen, the department’s first director. Before that she was editor of the Montgomery Advertiser’s women’s department and education section.

Parker Hall — William Vann Parker (1901-87), named head of mathematics in 1950 and dean of graduate school in 1953.

Paterson Greenhouses — built in 1948, Haygood Paterson, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries

Petrie Hall — George Petrie, longtime history professor and graduate school dean, started Auburn football in 1892 and coached first team, later wrote the “Auburn Creed.”
Philpott Fine Arts Center — Harry M. Philpott (1917-2008), Auburn’s 11th president (1965-80)

Plainsman Park — First used as a baseball facility in 1950, renamed Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park in 1997 in honor of brothers, Jimmy (1911-59) and Billy Hitchcock (1916-2006), both Auburn alumni. Jimmy was school’s first All-American in both football and baseball. Billy led Auburn to its first SEC baseball title in 1937 and to its first football bowl game that fall. In 2003, the facility was renamed Samford Stadium-Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park in honor of longtime trustee W. James “Jimmy” Samford Jr. (1950-2003), who led the effort for the new construction. He was the great-grandson of Alabama Gov. William James Samford, for whom AU’s Samford Hall was named.

Ramsay Hall — Erskine Ramsay (1864-1953), engineer in the mining industry, patented some 40 inventions for coal mining, president of two coal companies and vice president of two others, $100,000 gift covered the construction of building.

Ross Hall — Bennett Battle Ross (1864-1930), graduated from Auburn in 1881, received honorary master’s in 1886. Served as a professor of general and agricultural chemistry, dean of agricultural sciences (1911-22), dean of chemistry and pharmacy (1922-30), and in both 1920 and 1925 as acting president. Building presently used by College of Engineering.

Rouse Life Science Building — named in 1993, Roy Dennis Rouse (1920-2003), dean of College of Agriculture and director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (1972-81). The building houses entomologists, plant pathologists and botanists.

Samford Hall — William J. Samford (1844-1901), Alabama governor from 1900-01, attended East Alabama Male College.

Sasnett Res. Hall (The Hill) — after wife of Auburn’s first president, William J. Sasnett (1859-61)

Scott-Ritchey Research Center — started by Dr. Frank Hoerlein in the late 1960s with support from Kenneth Scott, an avid field trial enthusiast and bird-dog breeder, center expanded and enriched in the late 1980s with funds from the Eleanor Ritchey estate and exists today as a major international center for research on diseases of dogs and cats.

Sewell Res. Hall — Roy Brown Sewell (1898-1988), 1922 alumnus, 1958 honorary doctor of laws, commissioned the creation of “War Eagle” in 1955, considered one of Auburn’s most loyal supporters for service with the AU Foundation, National Alumni Association and Atlanta Auburn Club, became one of America’s largest manufacturers of men’s clothing.

Shelby Center for Engineering Technology — U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby helped acquire $65 million in funding for the $100 million project for the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering

Smith Hall — Otis David Smith (1831-1905), professor of English (1873-74), chairman of mathematics (1874-1904), acting president in 1902, came to Alabama in 1854 to serve as principal of schools at Smith Station and Opelika, was president of Alabama Education Association, member of State Board of Education and trustee of East Alabama Male College. While a professor at Auburn, he was a trustee at Alabama. Daughter Nellie married Charles Coleman Thach, Auburn’s sixth president. Building completed in 1908 as the college’s first dormitory, temporarily converted into a hospital in 1918 to accommodate students suffering from the Spanish flu, became a dormitory for women in 1921, but burned in a fire in 1933. The Civilian Works Administration used the remaining exterior walls and rebuilt the structure as a classroom building.

Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center — Solon Dixon, 1926 API alumnus and faculty member (1928-34), in 1980, Solon and wife gave Auburn 3,500 acres and $500,000 for construction of forestry education center near Andalusia, was the largest gift ever made to AU by a living donor.

Spidle Hall — Marion Walker Spidle (1895-1983), served Auburn for 41 years, head professor and dean of home economics from 1938-66 when she retired, inducted into Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame in 1997.

Swingle Hall — Homer Scott Swingle (1902-1973), found and headed Auburn’s fisheries and allied aquacultures department until his death

Teague Res. Hall (The Quad) — built 1938, Margaret Kate Teague (1873-1960), one of the first women to attend API, graduated 1894

Telfair Peet Theater — Telfair Boys Peet (1903-65) came to Auburn in 1931, teaching English and speech, directing plays in what is now the University Chapel. As head of the drama department, he developed a telescoping framework for stage settings which the Auburn Players used for touring plays in the southeast.

Terrell Dining Hall — Leila Avary Terrell (1866-1970), opened Terrell’s Ranch in 1902 as a home for students and professors. The BOT adopted a resolution on her 95th birthday which explained how she had been an inspiration to hundreds of students to whom she had given “motherly care and counsel” and declared that she had exerted a “benevolent and lasting influence on Auburn.”

Thach Hall — built 1951, Charles Coleman Thach (1860-1921), professor of English and political economy (1882-1902), Auburn’s sixth president (1902-19), first alumnus president.

Tichenor Hall — Isaac T. Tichenor (1825-1902), Auburn’s third president (1872-82), presently the home of the department of communications and journalism.

Toomer Res. Hall (The Hill) — Marguerite Toomer (1886-1956), in Auburn to teach French in 1917 and met and later married Sheldon L. Toomer, a local druggist, state senator and Auburn trustee. Her father-in-law, Rep. Sheldon Toomer, introduced the bill in 1872 to establish East Alabama Male College as Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical College. Toomer’s Corner on Magnolia Avenue is the site of the pharmacy once run by Sheldon.

Vaughan Large Animal Hospital — named in 2003, John Thomas Vaughan (1932-), a 1955 alumnus and longtime dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Walker Building — W.W. Walker Jr., built Birmingham-based Walker Drug Co. into one of the nation’s largest independent wholesale drug companies. Home of the Harrison School of Pharmacy, James I. Harrison and family made significant contributions to pharmacy field in Alabama.

Wallace Center — George C. Wallace (1919-98), former governor of Alabama, used by industrial design department

Watson Fieldhouse — John H. Watson, a 1960 alumnus and Dothan businessman, contributed to building construction

Wilmore Laboratories — John Jenkins Wilmore (1864-1943), served Auburn for 55 years as instructor, professor and dean, all in engineering. Was Auburn’s first engineering dean. In 1924, developed Auburn’s water supply source, Lake Wilmore.

Wilson Beef Teaching Lab- Stanley P. Wilson, a 1958 master’s degree graduate of Auburn, completed in 2005 providing state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for students and faculty. Initial funding for the building was provided by the 1998 Agricultural Bond Issue, additional monies came from individual donors, the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, and County Committees.

Wilson Livestock Arena — Built with Amendment V funds in 1957, renovated in 1979 and renamed for E.H. “Ham” Wilson

Young Tennis Courts — Coach Luther Young graduated in 1941, first varsity tennis coach, taught for 32 years, making him the longest tenured tennis coach in the Southeastern Conference.