91探花

Ohio Today logo in green

Spring 2019 Edition
Alumni & Friends Magazine

Rooted in Change

OHIO's iconic structures, Peden Stadium, the Convocation Center, and Alden Library, mark milestone anniversaries in 2019, adapting functions while preserving the campus's classic appearance.

Elizabeth Harper, BSJ 鈥19, and Kelee Garrison Riesbeck, BSJ, CERT 鈥91 | June 10, 2019

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The Athens campus鈥檚 iconic landscape stays with people long after they鈥檝e left town. It鈥檚 not too difficult for alumni to picture Cutler Hall and its reassuring cupola, College Green in its full springtime bloom, or each residential green鈥檚 unique blueprint.

Yet maintaining the classic look while also responding to the University鈥檚 evolving mission and goals is no easy feat. Any change to a building must answer an immediate need but also maintain the campus鈥檚 viewshed.

Three iconic buildings celebrate anniversaries in 2019: Peden Stadium is standing strong after 90 years, and the Convocation Center (known as the Convo) and Alden Library have served students for 50 years. Scores of concerts, athletic events, book readings, and commencements have taken place in these spaces.

Outwardly, changes to the original form of some buildings are apparent. Peden Stadium has added spaces for student-athletes, administrators, and special guests, while Alden Library added its east and west wings in 1972.

University planners in a construction site
exterior shot of Alden library from the College Green
Historical Photo of Peden Stadium being built
Army ROTC walking up Peden Stadium steps
Historical photo of Convocation Center being built
two volleyball players jumping up to the net

The function of each building has also changed. Currently, the Convo鈥檚 court space is used mainly as a practice venue, says Jason Farmer, associate director of facilities.

鈥淥ur men鈥檚 basketball team and our volleyball program are practicing on the court almost every day, whether they鈥檙e in season or out.鈥

In the past, these venues generally were used by students, faculty, and administrators. In recent decades, a balance between OHIO and regional community use has emerged. For example, Peden Stadium hosted The Monument Quilt in 2017; Alden Library provides computers and database access to all; and the Convo hosts high school basketball tournaments each year.

Associate Vice President for University Planning Shawna Bolin recognizes the fact that how some buildings are used today differs from their original intended use. Still, OHIO is committed to merging the changing needs with honoring the campus鈥檚 iconic look, Bolin says.

鈥淎s the Athens campus evolves, maintaining a relatively consistent look will be part of our plan as we advance into the future,鈥 says Bolin.

 

Feature photograph courtesy of the Mahn Archives & Special Collections

 

Disclaimer: It is not the intent of 91探花 to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.