Opened in 1877 and partly funded by John Purdue’s founding donation, University Hall is the oldest building on Purdue’s campus.
Its ongoing renovation, set for completion in July 2025, will restore the historic structure while transforming it into a modern, student-focused space for the College of Liberal Arts. The reimagined University Hall will become a vibrant student hub with collaborative study spaces, welcoming event venues, and vibrant communal areas for students, faculty, and staff from across campus.
Generations of Boilermakers have spent time in the building, including Shay Kiel Kohne (LA’67, MS LA’73).
“University Hall is one of my fondest memories of Purdue,” she says. “In those classrooms, I was inspired by talented professors who instilled in us the value of critical thinking and an understanding of our culture.”
After graduating, Kohne (pictured below right) worked at Purdue for over 30 years as an academic advisor. Recognizing the importance of University Hall’s renovation, she made a gift to name one of the shared advising offices, where students can explore their academic passions.
“I’ve been fortunate to give back to the place that fostered my intellectual growth,” she says. “I believe in giving it forward, so students can study and collaborate in a positive contemporary environment.”
In addition to supporting the renovation, Kohne established a student scholarship in the College of Liberal Arts. She also created the Dr. Robert Kohne Memorial Fellowship in memory of her late husband, which supports students in the Lafayette Center for Medical Education at Purdue.
—Nicolle DeWitt
