Eigenmann celebrates 30th anniversary

When Eigenmann Hall was built in 1968, it cost $9.8 million, said Bruce Jacobs, associate vice chancellor of administrative affairs. The 14-floor residence hall was the first on campus to be air-conditioned, and it was also the most expensive residence hall for students. Original plans even called for full maid service, Jacobs said.\nToday $9.8 million would pay for a two or three-story building, he said.\nA group of about 25 students, teachers and administrators celebrated the 30th anniversary of Eigenmann Friday. They also remembered the residence hall's namesake, Carl Eigenmann.\nThose in attendance were treated to performances by jazz musicians and an a cappella group. Speakers also shed light on Eigenmann's history.\nThe diversity of the celebration was fitting for Eigenmann, said Patrick Connor, Residential Programs and Services director.\n"This ceremony reflects the personality of the building," Connor said.\nJacobs was one of two keynote speakers at the celebration. The other was senior Dietrich Willke, president of Eigenmann Residents Association.\nEigenmann was dedicated Nov. 15, 1970, the 150th anniversary of IU, Jacobs said. Over the years, he said, Eigenmann has changed to meet the needs of the campus -- it was built for graduate students and now houses undergraduate, graduate and international students and a sorority. At one time, it was a major campus conference facility, Jacobs said.\nAs Eigenmann Hall's history has been diverse and changing, Jacobs said, its namesake had much the same experience during his time on campus.\nCarl Eigenmann was born in 1863 in Germany, Jacobs said. As a student, Eigenmann changed his major several times. It was David Starr Jordan -- for whom the Jordan River and buildings on campus are named -- who inspired Eigenmann to become a professor of zoology, Jacobs said.\nAfter teaching zoology, Eigenmann later became the dean of graduate studies. In that capacity, he recruited Alfred Kinsey to study zoology. He also tried to purchase Spring Mill State Park for the University because he was interested in researching the blind fish for which the park's caves are famous, Jacobs said. \n"(Eigenmann) is a building that has left its mark on IU, much as (Carl) Eigenmann left his mark on IU," Jacobs said.\nWillke said the anniversary was "a proud moment" for Eigenmann, and he said he is proud to call the residence hall home.\n"I do believe this building deserves this honor," Willke said. "Though it still needs improvements, I love it here"