Gregory Memorial Building / Gregory Hall

From the time the grave was laid, there was a general feeling that a better memorial needed to be done - sentiment grew over the years, especially among alumni until a conference was called on Alumni day 1912, resulting in a canvas to ascertain what Alumni Association members thought should and could be done by themselves; meanwhile Mr. Homer A. Stillwell of Chicago, ex-'82, who upon a visit had sought out the grave and was touched by the small prominence given to it, offered to contribute a goodly named sum towards a suitable memorial. This stimulated action and the committee reported to the Executive Committee of the Association, in June 1913, that the feeling was very prevalent and almost unanimous that something should be done by the alumni. The amount of money suggested was most commonly put from $25,000 to $50,000. [1]

Thus began the planning for Gregory Memorial Building, a monument to honor the first Regent of the Illinois Industrial University, one who so masterfully set the stage for the institution that has flourished for almost 150 years. On May 2, 1914, it was decided that the memorial to be erected to Dr. Gregory on the University campus be a Gregory Memorial Building and Art Collection, that $150,000 be raised for the purpose, and that the University Trustees be requested to assign a site for the building south of Lincoln Hall, west of the Auditorium and facing the site chosen for the new Library building. [2]

The cornerstone of Gregory Hall was laid by Alfred Gregory, Regent Gregory's son, the morning June 10, 1939 at 11 o'clock. [3] The ceremony, broadcast locally on WILL radio, were presided over by 1912 graduate Charles Wham, President of the Alumni Association. Three quotes that defined Regent Gregory's life were read during the ceremony: [4]

1868 It is much easier to learn and remember, than to investigate and think.

1873 I have only one wish to gratify - the wish for the prosperity and well-being of the University.

1879 Great numbers of students prove nothing unless they are attracted by the presence of great teachers / It is the aim of a University to lead well-prepared students to the summits of learning, rather than to collect and conduct great numbers of immature minds along the lower and elementary paths.

His 1868 quote adorns one entrance; while two additional quotes adorn the other entrances, including A true university must be a fountain of learning as well as a school of instruction. The building was designed by Ernest L. Stouffer, and overseen by W. E. O'Neil Construction under the auspices of the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works program. [5]

In 1927, the Illinois Press Association established the Editor's Hall of Fame to "perpetuate the spirit and achievements of great editors". The Hall of Fame is noted by a bronze wall safe on the ground floor and the eleven busts of inaugural members, which still reside throughout the building. [6]

By 1950, the building housed the "College of Education, the School of Journalism, the Department of Psychology, and the University's non-commercial radio stations, W I L L and W I U C - F M". [7]