MCWHINNIE HALL
The tenure of President A. G. Crane (1922-41) brought expansive building to the University of Wyoming. This building program was fueled from oil revenues returned to Wyoming from federal mineral leases throughout the state. In 1928 a men's dormitory was constructed at the cost of $195,000. This dormitory -- for many years called Graduate Hall -- was built on what was then the far northeast corner of the campus. Laramie architect Wilbur Hitchcock designed the building, which included a spacious living room with a large fireplace for the residents' comfort.
On the building's exterior there are many references to the gothic and Romanesque styles of architecture. The native sandstone exterior features richly detailed Romanesque arched windows; an ornamental pinnacle above the arched doorway; projecting bay windows; and a bastion-like crenelated parapet. In 1966 the interior was remodeled for modern office space. The building was renamed Ralph McWhinnie Hall in 1981 after the university's beloved registrar emeritus.
Centennial Celebration, September 27, 1986
