November 6, 2017

Grace Wilkie Hall rededicated on the 50th anniversary of namesake's death

WSU News Services

  • Grace Wilkie Hall is being rededicated in honor of the 50th anniversary of the death of Grace Wilkie, for whom the building was named after.
  • Grace Wilkie was Fairmount College's dean of women in 1921 and continued to hold the position until her retirement in 1953. Wichita State used to be called Fairmount College.
  • The rededication celebration will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 and will feature a flag dedication at 2:45 p.m.

Grace Wilkie Hall at Wichita State University will be rededicated on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. and feature a guest speaker and ribbon cutting, followed by a flag dedication at 2:45 p.m.

The flag will be raised by veteran and active duty military students.

An open house will be held from 3-4:30 p.m. to give attendees the opportunity to see the services available in Grace Wilkie.

These services include the Counseling and Testing Center, Disability Services, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Student Support Services, Military and Veteran Student Center and Shocker Support Locker.

Grace Wilkie was named head of the home economics department for Fairmount College in 1912. Wichita State used to be called Fairmount College. Wilkie accepted a positon as dean of women in 1921 and continued in that capacity through the college’s transition to the Municipal University of Wichita. She retired in 1953.

Upon her retirement, the college opened Grace Wilkie Hall as a women’s dormitory. After the university purchased the Fairmount Towers residence hall in 1977, Grace Wilkie Hall was remodeled to offices for the Division of Student Affairs, which took up residence in 1980.

The rededication of Grace Wilkie Hall is an opportunity for WSU students, faculty and staff to help honor Wilkie’s work and spirit as a woman dedicated to helping students.