University of Illinois: Virtual Campus Tour
A UIHistories Project by Kalev Leetaru   

Gregory Hall

The Gregory Memorial Building is 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.

The cornerstone of Gregory Hall was laid by Alfred Gregory, Regent Gregory's son, the morning June 10, 1939 at 11 o'clock. 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:

  • 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.

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.

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".

 
 Fast Facts about the Gregory Hall 
 Date Built June 10, 1939 (Cornerstone Laid)
 Full Name Gregory Hall
 Full History Gregory Hall History 
 Photo Gallery Gregory Hall Photo Gallery
 On the Map Gregory Hall on the Campus Map 
 Quick Links Philosophy Department 


Selected Images of the Gregory Hall
  Below is a selection of images of the Gregory Hall. These images may be viewed for personal use only and may NOT be republished in any form. To use one of these images in a U of I presentation or Web or print publication, please click on the "download" link beneath each image to download the image free of charge.


   DOWNLOAD

   DOWNLOAD

   DOWNLOAD

   DOWNLOAD

   DOWNLOAD

   DOWNLOAD

   DOWNLOAD

   DOWNLOAD






HOME

TRIVIA

LANDMARKS MAIN CAMPUS ENGINEERING
MUSEUMS / ENTERTAINMENT HIDDEN TREASURES RESIDENCE HALLS LIBRARIES