Alumni House, hidden away in the back corner of campus behind Bates Residence, is surrounded by trees and frequently visited by deer and yogis, so it was an easy pick for our first McMaster spot to feature.
Alumni House has a storied history, starting in 1930 when it became the 7th building on campus.
Currently, Alumni House houses the Office of Alumni Advancement, a sub department of University Advancement that handles alumni relations and general giving to the university. Connecting people to McMaster is the name of the game here in Alumni House. From social and educational events across the globe for our grads and students to services and benefits to help our grads make their way in the world, we make sure our grads are well taken care of. And yes, as you know, we ask people for money. Students, research, buildings, trees and benches are just a few of the people, places and activities on campus that benefit from donor support.
But Alumni House hasn’t always been Alumni House. In fact, it’s only been Alumni House for 9 years, before that it was the President’s Residence. For a time, the Presidents of the university and their families lived in the house. The last President to reside here was President Peter George. He left in 2003 allowing Alumni Advancement to renovate the upstairs into office space, while leaving the first floor as it was; a living room, library, and dining room. You'll also find a rock garden along the front walkway planted for the University's 85th anniversary of being in Hamilton. Each rock is engraved with the names of the Presidents who have served McMaster since it came to Hamilton in 1930. A lovely gift made possible by the class of 2013 as their graduating class gift.
*Did you know that the first Presidents of McMaster were known as the Chancellors of the University? George Gilmour was the last Chancellor before the position changed to President and Vice-Chancellor in 1950.
But wait, there’s more. During the 1940s, Alumni House was known as Wallingford Annex, which was a small dormitory for around 15 “freshettes” attending McMaster.
So for the first decade, what was Alumni House known as? Why, it was the Chancellor’s Residence (a reflection of the President’s title at that time). In 1933, Chancellor Howard Primrose Whidden moved in, making him the first occupant of the house. Chancellor Whidden was also one of the first students to graduate from McMaster, being a grad of 1894! You probably recognize the name as Whidden Hall is one of McMaster’s residence buildings on campus. We stumbled across some old footage of Chancellor Whidden at his desk which you can see below.
So, there you have it. From Chancellor's Residence, to Wallingford Annex, to President’s Residence, and finally Alumni House, this house has seen a lot over its years on campus.
