Building History

“He wrote his record in the piles of rock and stones that adorn the college campus, in the walks and drives and lawns that beautify the scene and please the eye of all beholders…”
-Written by UNI professor David Sands Wright in 1926, describing James E. Robinson’s role in the development of the UNI campus.

One person is nearly single-handedly responsible for the appearance of a large part of the University of Northern Iowa campus today. That individual, James E. Robinson, served as superintendent of buildings and grounds for more than 30 years. Those years saw the planning and construction of 20 buildings, including Bartlett Hall, the Campanile, Honors Cottage (first president’s home), Innovative Teaching and Technology Center (formerly East Gym), the Alumni House, Lang Hall, Begeman Hall (formerly Physics Building), President’s House, West Gym and Sabin, Seerley and Wright halls.

Robinson began his career in 1890 as builder of the first president’s house. He became so committed to the campus that he made his home in the former chapel of the orphan’s home, which was known as North Hall, until a new home was built for him.

When Robinson began his duties, the campus had 40 acres and 10 buildings; by 1935 it had grown to 137 acres and more than 30 buildings.

Maintained by the UNI Alumni Association
Last Modified: August 28, 2009