Throughout our more than century-long history, Eastern Illinois University’s Housing
and Dining Services has remained deeply committed to serving our residents by not
just providing them with a comfortable bed and a good meal but delivering an environment
and opportunities where they can grow as a person. Incredible people, residents and
staff alike, have created many memories and life-changing experiences.
As we document our history it is important to honor these experiences as well as the
people who made them happen. It is impossible to do it all justice. In 2025 we launched
a partnership with Booth Library, and more specifically The Keep, EIU’s institutional
repository, creating a structured digital collection that documents the evolution
of housing and dining from 1908 to the present day. This project combines the content
that already exists in The Keep, things that have been contributed over the years,
some original content generated by the curators of this effort and importantly an
opportunity for others to add their stories to the collection.
This collaboration enables photographs, publications, leadership records, and program
materials are not only preserved but also discoverable by students, alumni, researchers,
and community members who wish to explore the richness of the department’s history.
As a living archive, The Keep continues to grow alongside the department, with annual
updates as well as giving those who have experience to share an opportunity to add
to the collection. It is a work in progress to be sure, and it will never tell every
story, but we hope that by inviting others to contribute it can grow and reflect the
evolution and impact Housing and Dining has had on our campus.
In the dropdowns below, click “Learn More” to explore the sections of The Keep related
to Housing and Dining.
This is an on-going process, and more content will be coming soon!
The Evolution of Housing & Dining
The history of Eastern Illinois University’s Housing and Dining Services begins with
the vision of our first seated President, Livingston Lord, who convinced the State
Legislature that the on-campus residential experience was an important part of a student’s
education. His success made EIU the first residential campus among all State Universities.
This section reflects a legacy shaped through evolving departmental structures, locations,
and historical publications that document the growth and coordination of the department
over time.
Learn More
Building History
The history of Eastern Illinois University’s living environments is preserved through
records of their naming, dedication ceremonies, and related documentation that reflect
each building’s foundation and unique community culture. You are encouraged to explore
the link provided to learn more about the individuals whose impact on EIU students
is recognized through the naming of a building in their honor.
LEARN MORE
Staffing History
Enjoy exploring the history of the department by seeing who made the magic happen
over these many decades. Connections between staff and residents are the cornerstone
of the department’s success. Everyone on these lists played a key role in empowering
this to happen. Be it an RA or BSW, a Hall Secretary or a member of the marketing
team, a summer conference assistant or a residence life supervisor, those who had
a lot of contact with residents or played a more behind the scenes role – everyone
contributed to the success of the department. Some of these lists were easier to assemble
than others. We will continue to work to make the list as complete as possible.LEARN MORE
Residence Hall Scrapbooks
Student perspectives on residence hall life at Eastern Illinois University are preserved
through a rich collection of scrapbooks spanning from the early 1960s through the
early 2000s, capturing everyday moments, traditions, programs, and community experiences
as they were lived by residents themselves. These materials offer a unique and personal
reflection of the culture and spirit within the halls across several decades of campus
history. Visitors are encouraged to scroll through the residence hall bookcases using
the link provided to explore these student-created snapshots of residential life over
time.
LEARN MORE
Warbler Yearbooks
The tradition of preserving Eastern Illinois University’s student experience is also
reflected through the legacy of the Warbler, the university’s long-established yearbook, which has been fully digitized by Booth
Library. The Warbler maintained this tradition from 1919 through its final edition
in 2023. To learn more and view the complete collection of digital editions, visitors
are encouraged to explore The Keep’s Warbler yearbook archive through the link provided. We have compiled a reference document
that highlights items featuring the department and its residents.
WARBLER INDEX
Housing Student Governance
The history of student leadership within Eastern Illinois University’s Housing and
Dining Services is reflected through the lasting impact of Hall Councils, the Residence
Hall Association (RHA), and the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), which have
provided meaningful opportunities for students to shape the residential experience
at the campus, regional, and national levels. Through involvement in these governance
organizations, students have contributed to programming initiatives, advocacy efforts,
and leadership development that strengthen community across residence halls. Visitors
are encouraged to explore the link provided to see a reflection of those who were
a part of these organizations and the legacy of student leadership that continues
to influence residential life today.
LEARN MORE
Historical Events & Transitions
This section will focus on major events that shaped the department. From fires, to
evolving rules about visitation, from COVID to visits from the First Lady of the United
States. From major facility events to broader challenges and turning points that affected
campus life, these moments reflect how the department continually adapted to meet
the needs of the residents. This is an area that will grow with the input and contributions
of the user of this resource.
LEARN MORE
Publications Over the Years
Thousands of publications have been produced within the department to welcome students,
explain services, and help engage residents. This section is set up to archive these
publications. The search has just begun, and we encourage former residents and staff
to share with us items they may wish to have added to the collection.
LEARN MORE
Scholarship about Housing & Dining
As an academic institution, research and publishing is an important part of the student’s
learning experience. One of the keys to our success in recruiting top notch graduate
students over the years has been our long-standing partnership with the College Student
Affairs (CSA) program. One of the requirements for receiving the masters’ degree in
CSA is the writing of a thesis. Many have been written about living on campus, both
from a staffing perspective as well as issues that face residents. This section provides
a connection to those works from not only CSA students but others as well. This collection
is a work in progress, if you are aware of ones we missed, let us know so they can
be added.
LEARN MORE
Oral History & Written Testimonials
The history of Eastern Illinois University’s Housing and Dining Services is ultimately
defined by the people who shaped its communities through their experiences, leadership,
and everyday moments of connection. Through audio and video interviews, written reflections,
and personal letters, these testimonials preserve the voices of those who lived and
worked within the residence halls, offering perspectives that bring the department’s
story to life. Visitors are encouraged to explore the link provided to discover how
these shared memories remain just as vital to the history of Housing and Dining Services
as any official record, and if you have a story you wish to share, please consider
submitting it through the link provided to help continue building this living history.
LEARN MORE
Image Collections
Photographs document the visual history of Housing & Dining communities and preserve
moments of connection across generations of residents and staff.
LEARN MORE
