There’s More?! What’s Up with All the Names?

Welcome back to the “What's Up with All the Names?” series! In the last post, you learned about the people behind the names of HU’s residence halls and academic buildings. In this post, you will learn about the names of HU’s athletic complexes and other named spaces on campus.

For clarification, Huntington University began as Central College, changing its name to Huntington College (HC) in 1917 and becoming Huntington University in 2005.

Athletic Complexes

• King Stadium

Tom King was a longtime coach for the HU cross country and track and field programs.

• Klopfenstein Tennis Courts

Dick Klopfenstein was an HC coach and administrator.

• Merillat Complex & Fieldhouse (commonly called the PLEX by HU students)

Orville and Ruth Merillat were major donors to HU and supporters of Christian education and HU’s Christ-centered mission.

• Platt Arena

Steve Platt was an alum of HC well-known for his legendary performances as a player for HU’s men’s basketball team from 1970-1974; today, he retains the record for most career points in HU history. He was head coach of the men’s basketball team from 1994-2008.

Other Spaces (and the Lake)!

• Bangs Memorial President’s Home

Where the President lives! Clare W. H. Bangs was the sixth president of Central College, serving from 1914 to 1918. He was also a mathematics professor.

• Fetters Prayer Chapel

Paul R. Fetters was an HC alum who served the Church of the United Brethren in Christ as a scholar, theologian, and pastor and served HU as a professor and the longtime leader of the former Graduate School of Christian Ministries.

• Friesen Center for Service and Experiential Learning

Norris “Norrie” Friesen served in various roles at HU over a decades-long career, including roles as dean of student services, vice president for student development, and interim academic dean.

• Habecker Dining Commons (commonly called the DC by HU students)

Eugene B. Habecker was the eleventh president of HC, serving from 1981 to 1991.

• Lake Sno-Tip

Gene Snowden, a member of the Board of Trustees, and Bill Tipmore, director of development, helped engineer the lake. Lake Sno-Tip’s name is a combination of their last names.

• Merillat Centre for the Arts (commonly called the MCA by HU students)

Orville and Ruth Merillat were major donors to HU and supporters of Christian education and HU’s Christ-centered mission.

• Zurcher Auditorium

Carl D. Zurcher was an HC alum and professor emeritus of speech who joined HC’s faculty in 1950 and remained until his retirement, taking on various administrative roles over the span of 39 years.

Want to learn more about HU history? Check out our timeline.