Located one block south the campus at 2222 9th Avenue, the Alumni House is the oldest building associated with the UNK. It was built as the residence of Dr. A. O. Thomas, the university's first president. Dr. Thomas and his family moved into the home on February 21, 1907, less than two years after the Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney first started its original mission of preparing teachers.

The Alumni Association acquired the facility from the H.W. Swan family in 1980. What was originally a private home has been transformed into a multi-purpose facility of offices, meeting rooms and reception areas, all with private gifts. Alumni and friends have donated more than $300,000 for renovation and addition projects. Visitors to the Alumni House will find a wealth of historical items representing the periods when it was the Normal School, Nebraska State Teachers College, Kearney State College and now, the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

 

 

Memorabilia
There are campus yearbooks and newspapers, a clock from Green Terrace Hall, President Cushing's desk, marble and ceiling tin from the original Administration building, a roll top desk used by one of the founding faculty members, a wide arrange of pictures showing changes in the campus through the years, art from many current and former faculty members and alumni, and many other items.

 A visit to the Alumni House is an opportunity to recapture a feeling of the campus and the community from earlier days. Alumni Association staff members can also help put you in touch with campus departments, faculty and former classmates.

Rooms and Facilities
Many of the rooms in the Alumni House are named for those who have made significant gifts to the facility.

Through the efforts of the Southern California Alumni Club and the Northern California Alumni Club, a beautiful reception room was named the California Room in their honor. A part of the California Room is the Marsha Jones Memorial. Marsha had been an active member of the Southern California Alumni Club board of directors following her graduation in 1968. Her family made a major gift in her name following her death in 1985.

Special Rooms are named for other contributors. The rooms on the main floor represent donors who provided initial gifts to the purchase of the House. Dr. Failor, a professor in education and psychology from 1941-1974, made the first gift. In recognition of her gift, the main reception area is called the Failor Friendship Room.

Other rooms on the main floor are the Cope Foyer for Ron and Carol Cope; the Richards Room for Bill and Marge Richards; and the Payne Room for Alvie and Ruth Payne, John and Jodell Payne, Chuck and Marian Payne and Ron and Nita Payne. A room named for Bernard H. and Mary Ester Davenport is a small meeting room on the second floor.

The Alumni House is available for receptions, meetings and other events. For information about rates, reservations and scheduling, contact the Alumni Association.

A visit to the Alumni House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a great way to learn about the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Whether you are visiting campus or just passing through, stop by for a visit. You are always welcome at your collegiate home.

UNK Alumni Association
2222 9th Avenue
Kearney NE 68845
308-865-8474
Office Hours: 8 am - 5 pm
Please call over the noon hour
Monday - Friday

Executive Director - Lucas Dart - LDART@nufoundation.org
Assistant Director - Michelle Widger - MWIDGER@nufoundation.org
Secretary - Jean Starman -  JSTARMAN@nufoundation.org