The state made an initial appropriation in 1917 to build a wing for Old Main. The original intent was to construct Old Main with two symmetrical wings, but only the east wing was completed. Thus, some sources consider Ashurst to be the ‘missing’ wing, while others note that it was originally a separate building, later connected to Old Main. The Ashurst Building opened in 1918 with a style reminiscent of Old Main, though Ashurst has a hipped roof like the Blome Building and one distinct belt course of stone. In its early years Ashurst was the home for all-school assemblies, gatherings with important visitors, and commencement exercises. A 1952 remodel involved conversion of the auditorium to a music hall and various offices and music practice rooms were configured from the existing space.
At the conclusion of World War II, students raised $2,500 for the purchase of an organ for Ashurst, to honor those from the school who lost their lives during the conflict. What we now call Ashurst Auditorium is still an important gathering place for speakers, ceremonies to honor faculty and students, dancing, concerts, and special banquets and luncheons.
Today, after another remodel in 1989, the Ashurst Building has, in addition to the auditorium, other spaces in the building that serve as home for a variety of offices, including the Graduate College. #arizona #campus #flagstaff #nau #northern_arizona_university
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