A New Role for Its Second Century


In December 19, 1983, just after the Caziers left the house, the north wing of Old Main was gutted by fire. While reconstruction was done, the President's House (now the Alumni House) was occupied by the Department of Languages and Philosophy. That use slowed the remodeling of the house to meet both building codes and Alumni Association needs, but it also allowed time for the Association to raise a quarter of a million dollars for substantial renovations and additions to the 1890 structure. The Alumni staff moved into the old house in October 1986, in time for Homecoming activities.

The second phase of the project included building an adjoining banquet and reception hall. Funds from friends, alumni, and a generous gift from Huntsman Chemical Corporation, made the addition possible. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new addition were held June 1, 1990. The addition was completed in June of 1991 and dedicated July 11, 1991. The complex was named in honor of David B. Haight, businessman, civic leader, and member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Utah State University

Alumni House

The rooms that President Sanborn designed in 1890 to exemplify the latest thinking about rural farm homes served as a residence for nearly a century. Its significance to the state was recognized on June 2, 1971, when the Governor's Review Committee of the Utah Historic Sites Survey added the house to the Utah State Register of Historic Sites. Original rooms serve the Alumni Association and new wings accommodate many functions hosted by the Association and the University community.

As home to the Alumni Association, the historic house has moved beyond home to presidential families to become the campus home to everyone who attended Utah State University.

History by A.J. Simmonds