Hodgin Hall

A place that lives in the hearts of UNM Alumni

The University of New Mexico was created by Territorial Act on February 28,1889.

On September 1, 1892, the University’s first building, Hodgin Hall opened.

There were 108 students in two departments, the Preparatory and Normal departments. For eight years, Hodgin Hall housed all of the University programs.

With no public high school in the Territory, few thought UNM would succeed.

New Mexico cities did not view having UNM as an advantage over having other institutions such as the prison or insane asylum created by the same Territorial Act.

The University grew quickly, adding buildings, faculty, staff, student and new programs.

Statehood was granted in 1912 and UNM gained accreditation in 1922.

Originally built in Richardson Romanesque style, Hodgin Hall was made of red brick with a pitched roof and arched windows on the upper floors.

The total cost of the building was $30,000.

But the original design of Hodgin was poor and in 1904 local architect Edward Christy reported to the Board of Regents.

"In my opinion the roof is too heavy for the building… I see nothing at the present moment to cause alarm, but there is certainly room for a reasonable question as to the result if a severe storm should move that main truss that really supports the whole roof.”

This report provided President William Tight with an opportunity to remodel the building, which he was confident would adapt to the Pueblo Style.

Rapid increase in student enrollment and the increase in building led to the scheduled destruction of Hodgin Hall in the early 1970’s.

Efforts were made to save the University’s first building.

The efforts succeeded and today Hodgin Hall houses the UNM Alumni Association and the UNM Alumni Relations Office.