Campus Life

      40 years ago at Penn State: March 24, 1977

      Beaver Stadium expansion; naming of Eisenhower Auditorium and Walker Building

      Forty years ago in 1977 the Trustees voted to expand Penn State's Beaver Stadium, which increased the venue's size from 60,203 to 76,017. A new scoreboard is shown being installed at a new location in Beaver Stadium the following year in 1978. This photograph was taken through a large pipe, with the scoreboard in the distance and a construction vehicle is nearby. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

      Periodically, Penn State will take a look back at news appearing in the Intercom, the University's former faculty and staff newspaper, which has now transitioned into Penn State Today. This week's excerpt looks at March 24, 1977, which included Beaver Stadium's expansion, the naming of Eisenhower Auditorium and the naming of the Walker Building.

      Forty years ago, March 24, 1977, Penn State Intercom ran the following three stories — "Final stadium plans okayed," "New structure to be called Eric A. Walker Building" and "Auditorium named for Dr. Eisenhower." 

      Beaver Stadium addition

      Final plans for the addition to Beaver Stadium were approved by the Trustees. Target date for completion of the $4,930,000 project, which would increase the stadium size from 60,203 to 76,017, is the 1978 football season. Tickets for the six home games at Beaver Stadium were sold out last year.

      Today: On March 13, 2017, Penn State released its 20-year Facilities Master Plan, with a scope of work that includes a 10-year horizon as well as goals for 20 years and beyond. There are five priority projects during the initial five years of this plan. These projects are the Center of Excellence; an indoor practice facility; a 10-lane, 50-meter Natatorium; a 10-court Indoor Tennis Facility; and renovation and upgrades to Jeffrey Field (men's and women's soccer facility). The Facilities Master Plan is being informed by and integrated into the University Park campus master plan.

      Walker Building

      The Trustees approved the naming of the Environmental Sciences Building at University Park, now nearing completion, as the Eric A. Walker Building in honor of Penn State's former president. Walker served as Penn State's president from 1956 to 1970.

      Today: Walker Building houses the Department of Geography and the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science.

      Eisenhower Auditorium

      University Auditorium, which is the major center for the performing arts and cultural events at University Park, has been named the Milton S. Eisenhower Auditorium. Naming the auditorium in honor of Penn State's president from 1950 until 1956, was approved by the Trustees. 

      Today: Eisenhower Auditorium, with a seating capacity of 2,500, is Penn State's primary theatrical performance space. The modern-style auditorium hosts almost 200 events each year, including everything from commencements to Future Farmers of America conferences. 

      Last Updated April 17, 2017

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