Giving

Altgeld Hall

Altgeld Hall, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, was constructed in 1896-1897 and was first used as the University Library. The University Chime was installed in the Altgeld Tower in 1920, the gift of the classes of 1914 through 1921 and the U.S. School of Military Aeronautics.

Nathan C. Ricker designed the building, along with James M. White. An 1873 University of Illinois alumnus, Ricker was the first graduate of an architecture program in the United States. Named after Illinois Gov. John P. Altgeld, the building is considered one of the finest examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture in Illinois. Altgeld served as governor from 1893-1897 and was a strong supporter of University of Illinois and contributed at a time when it went through significant growth.

In 1927, Altgeld Hall became the home of the College of Law. The Mathematics Department moved into Altgeld Hall in 1956. A centennial celebration was held June 16, 1997.

Law in Altgeld Hall: Help honor its early years

The College of Law has a strong history in Altgeld Hall

Altgeld was built in 1896 and was first used as the University Library. The Senior Memorial Chime, a gift from the classes of 1914 through 1921 and the U.S. School of Military Aeronautics, was installed in 1920.

Altgeld became home to the College of Law in 1927, and nearly 1,800 students graduated during the college’s time in the building.

The College of Law moved out in 1956, and the Department of Mathematics moved in. This was the last time Altgeld Hall was significantly renovated. Today, Altgeld is home to the Department of Mathematics. It is one of the most heavily used buildings on campus. More than 12,000 unique students attend a class in Altgeld each academic year.

How you can help

Altgeld Hall is an important piece of the College of Law’s history, and we need your help in preserving its legacy. You can help honor this history by sharing your memories of your time in Altgeld.

We’re also seeking partnership from College of Law alumni to memorialize the law school’s time in the building in a permanent, visible way. Your input is needed to further develop this concept. If you have an idea or would like to get involved, contact Evan Tammen in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at etammen2@illinois.edu.

Illini Hall

Illini Hall was built in 1907 as the University YMCA. It went on to be the home of the campus’ student union, Daily Illini, The Illio, campus’ Police Training Institute, and the Division of University Extension. The Department of Statistics began its residence in Illini Hall upon its founding as a standalone department in 1985, though math faculty had a presence in the building dating to about 1965. 

For more information about Illini Hall’s history, see the University of Illinois Library’s history page.