Many of the buildings on Willamette's Campus have a rich history. Take a tour and learn about how our campus came to be!
Waller Hall
Waller Hall is the oldest building on the campus of Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, United States. Built in 1867 as University Hall, the five-story, red-brick structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The building has been gutted twice by fires with the interior rebuilt each time, and went through renovations in 1987 to 1989 and again in 2005.
Built in the Renaissance style of architecture, it is currently used for administration offices and is the oldest university building west of the Mississippi in the U.S. still in use. Waller Hall is located on the north end of campus opposite the Oregon State Capitol building across State Street. Designed in the shape of a Greek cross, each side has the same measurements and the top has a cupola.
Star Trees
Planted at commencement in 1942 as the "Temple of the Centuries" to honor the University's centennial, each giant Sequoia has a ceramic plate beneath it containing historical information about Willamette. If a person stands in the center of the trees and looks upward, the five trees create a star-shaped view of the sky. The community fathers on the first Saturday in December to watch the lighting of the Star Trees, signaling the start of the holiday season.
Art Building (ART)
Originally Willamette’s Medical School, today’s Art Building houses the Studio Art Department and student art galleries.
Oregon State Capitol
Located across the street from Willamette's campus, the Oregon State Capitol is the building housing the state legislature and the offices of the governor, secretary of state, and treasurer of the U.S. state of Oregon. It is located in the state capital, Salem. The current building, constructed from 1936 to 1938, and expanded in 1977, is the third to house the Oregon state government in Salem. Two former capitol buildings were destroyed by fire, one in 1855 and the other in 1935.
Eaton Hall
Smullin Hall (SML)
Smullin Hall houses departments in the humanities and social sciences, the undergraduate dean's office and Willamette’s technology service (WITS).
Completed in 1988, Smullin Hall is named for Oregon and California broadcasting executive William B. Smullin '29.
WITS provides the computing, telecommunications, multimedia, audio-visual, networking, and classroom technology services necessary for the academic and administrative needs of the university community. WITS supports technology-equipped classrooms and provides equipment for check-out.
M. Lee Pelton Theatre
The M. Lee Pelton Theatre is a first-rate arts facility that features theatrical performances and training labs.
Built in 1923 to replace a gymnasium which had been destroyed by a fire, the Playhouse became the home of the Department of Theater in 1974 and was remodeled in 1978 with the support of the Kresge Foundation to create the Kresge Theatre, with 225 seats, and The Black Box Arena Theatre, now known as the M. Lee Pelton Theatre.
Hudson Hall
Thursday 3-4pm: The Welcome Address located in Hudson Hall, which is inside Rogers Music Center. No food or drink is allowed the performance hall, but the foyer is available where a water station will be located.
Thursday 4-5pm: The Parent Address will take place in Hudson Hall directly after the Welcome Address.
The Mill Stream
Originally used as a way to provide power for the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill, the Mill Stream is now a popular hangout and study spot for students. "Hudson's Bay" in front of the Putnam University Center was officially dedicated by the Alumni Association in 1997 in honor of Jerry E. Hudson, who retired after 17 years as president.
Today, incoming freshman have a tradition of placing floating candles in the stream during the matriculation ceremony at the beginning of the academic year.
Putnam University Center 2nd Floor
Thursday 2-3pm: Check-in will take place on the 2nd floor of the Putnam University Center (or "UC" for short).
Luggage can be stored in a secure location inside, so please bring bags with you to check-in.
Thursday 5-6pm: Overnight host meet-up on the 2nd floor (same location as check-in).
Friday 11:30-1:30pm: Activities Fair located on the 2nd floor balcony (or on the 3rd floor in the event of rain).
Friday 1:45-2:45pm: Campus-wide reception located on the 2nd floor (the same location as check-in and overnight host meet-up).
Atkinson Graduate School of Management (Seeley G. Mudd Building, AGSM)
The Atkinson Graduate School of Management offers MBA programs designed to prepare students for careers in business, government and not-for-profit organizations. The Mudd Building, built in 1975 with a renovation in 1995, houses the Atkinson Graduate School of Management.
College of Law (Truman Wesley Legal Center, LAW)
Located across the street from the state Capitol complex and the Oregon Supreme Court, the College of Law is situated at the nexus of state law, government and business.
Our historic connection to leaders in the law and government translates into a reputation for graduates who are prepared to serve and to excel. Our students learn from faculty who are top scholars, seasoned practitioners and former and current members of the judiciary. They work with mentors who are Supreme Court justices, heads of Fortune 500 companies, elected officials and distinguished private and public attorneys. And upon graduation, they are welcomed into the close knit community of Willamette alumni who are willing to extend a hand.
Willamette is a small community. We are committed to the advancement of knowledge through excellent teaching, scholarship, mentoring and experience.
Lausanne Hall
Lausanne Hall was originally acquired in 1880-81 and was known as the Young Women's Hall, part of the expanding Women's College. Used as a women's residence until being razed in 1919, Lausanne was rebuilt in its present form in 1920. The board of trustees opted to name the new residence after the ship that brought reinforcements and materials to the Oregon Mission, despite the student body's preference for naming the building Wallulah Hall, after the daughter of a local chief, Multnomah. During World War ||, Lausanne housed the U.S. Navy training unit stationed at Willamette. Lausanne was extensively renovated in 1985 and is a quiet, intensive-study residence for 150 students.
The Quad
Located in the heart of campus, the Quad is one of the main sites for students to relax and enjoy informal athletic activities, as well as the location for important events like convocation and commencement.