Northwestern Magazine: Celebrating Campus Landmarks

90 YEARS: Deering Library (1932)

When benefactor Charles Deering died in 1927, he bequeathed the University funds for the construction of a new library — Northwestern’s top fundraising priority at the time. The Collegiate Gothic structure, which features limestone, sandstone and granite, was inspired by King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England. The building was dedicated on Dec. 29, 1932; officially opened on Jan. 3, 1933; and served as the University’s main library until 1970.

80 YEARS: Technological Institute (1942)

In 1939 Walter P. Murphy made a transformative gift to establish the Technological Institute, whose sprawling design and six wings would greatly influence the McCormick School of Engineering’s continuing emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. His initial gift was for construction and faculty hiring; he later endowed the institute. The building was dedicated in June 1942. One of the largest academic facilities in the world, the institute has more than 750,000 square feet of classrooms, offices, labs and research facilities.

50 YEARS: Norris University Center (1972)

Norris University Center received its name from Lester J. Norris ’50, who died in 1967. In his memory, Norris’ parents made a generous gift toward the construction of a student center on the recently finished Lakefill. The building opened in September 1972, prior to its dedication on Jan. 19, 1973. Norris is the center of student activity on the Evanston campus and offers many services and programs, including dining, meeting rooms and outdoor event space.

50 YEARS: Ryan Hall (2007)

Ryan Hall is the home of Northwestern’s International Institute for Nanotechnology, which brings together experts from areas across the University who are searching for “small” answers to large, complex problems in fields as diverse as medicine, information technology, energy, homeland security, food and water safety, and transportation. The 44,000-square-foot building has been used by two of Northwestern’s three Nobel laureates and is named for the Patrick G. ’59, ’09 H and Shirley W. Ryan ’61, ’19 H Family.