Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Wohlers Hall [PAGE 8]

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Commerce Buildings — A History

f /7 n c task of Commercial Science and Art, one of the \ y original nine departments at the University of Illinois in 1868, was to prepare men "for the arduous and riskrul responsibilities of the merchant and businessman." In 1902 the department had become Courses of Training for Business and by 1915 it had evolved into the College of Commerce and Business Administration. Four years prior to receiving college status, money was appropriated for a Commerce Building, which is now the east side of the Henry Administration Building on the main campus quadrangle. Records indicate that over a two-year period, $250,000 was appropriated for the building, which was The original Commerce Building circa. 1913 dedicated in 1913. This art deco building remained the home of the business school until 1925 when a new, and larger building, called the new Commerce Building was built on Gregory Drive, across from the main library. When David Kin ley, president of the university from 1920-1930, died, there was strong sentiment to rename a building in his honor. Originally the Board of Trustees proposed the library as the memorial. But, the Executive Committee of the college made a counter proposal — that the new Commerce Building be renamed David Kin ley Hall. Their proposal Ttevtd Kin ley