Down Memory Lane Building History

Moench Hall, Sports and Recreation Center, Hatfield Hall Students, faculty, and staff celebrated historic anniversaries this fall for Moench Hall, the Mark Anniversaries

The main educational building turned 100 years old on September 13, 2022. Campus marked the historic occasion with special displays in a courtyard outside the building. They presented information to the campus community about Moench Hall’s history and future plans of a current renovation project. There were also Moench Munch treats! Herman Moench (BSEE, 1929/HDENG, 1971), for whom the building is named, would have been proud.

Hosting more than 200 events and over 100,000 people while being open nearly 325 days each year, the Sports and Recreation Center has been the home for campus fitness and wellness, intercollegiate athletics, club sports and intramurals, along with a variety of campus activities since its opening in 1997. The building also has hosted Indianapolis Colts training camps, NCAA Division III national championships, and a variety of community events. The biggest institute activities include Commencement, three career fairs, and concerts. The building’s arena was named for legendary President Samuel Hulbert (HD, 2004).

Performing arts groups marked Hatfield Hall’s 20th anniversary with a special fall show that featured music originally performed by the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra during the building’s grand opening show on November 9, 2002. The 600-seat theater has become a hub for creativity on campus and Terre Haute community. Hatfield Hall was funded by a $14 million gift from alumnus and emeriti trustee Mike Hatfield (BSEE, 1984/ HDENG, 2004) and his wife, Deborah, and is named in honor of his parents, Larry and Pat. And, looking ahead, Rose-Hulman is preparing to celebrate its 150-year anniversary in 2024.