The George G. Golleher Alumni House: A Historic Landmark at California State University, Fullerton
California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), established in 1957, is home to a collection of modern buildings alongside historically significant houses. Among these is the George G. Golleher Alumni House, a building with a rich past that has evolved from a private residence to a central hub for alumni engagement. This article explores the history of the Golleher Alumni House, its architectural features, and its role within the CSUF community.
The Early History: From Orange Groves to University Grounds
Before the CSUF campus was established, the land was primarily orange groves and home to four historic residences. Among these were the Beazeley Family's home and barn, which briefly served as the campus's first Speech and Hearing Clinic before their demolition in the 1960s. Another was the Heritage House, built in 1894 by Dr. George Clark of Fullerton, now located in CSUF's arboretum. The Hetebrink House, constructed in 1886, serves as administrative offices for CSUF's Athletic department. The Mahr House, completed in 1931, eventually became the Golleher Alumni House.
The Mahr House: A Home with a Past
The house that would become the Golleher Alumni House was originally built as a private residence and purchased and finished by the Mahr family in 1931. In the early years of the Great Depression, a son of Henry and Rebecca Hetebrink built a Spanish revival-style home for one of his daughters as a wedding gift on a different section of the family's land. However, Lotte Hetebrink never had the chance to live in this Spanish revival-style home, and the property was lost.
In the spring of 1960, the Mahr House transitioned into the university's second administration building. Prior to this, administrative functions were conducted in a condemned building at Fullerton High School. President Langsdorf and other university administrators used the upstairs bedrooms as offices, while faculty members were accommodated in a single room on the first floor. In late 1965, the house's garage was converted into an eating area and patio, advertised as the faculty club, intended as a space for faculty, staff, administration, and retirees to exchange ideas.
The Alumni Association and the Golleher Legacy
The Alumni Association was formed in 1969, with the goal of providing graduates with a means of staying connected to the university. This marked a turning point for the Mahr House. In the 1990s, the Office of Alumni Engagement took up residence in the house, establishing a long-term presence that continues today.
Read also: Legacy of Fordham University
In 1995, the house underwent a restoration and was renamed the George G. Golleher Alumni House, in honor of George G. Golleher, a Cal State Fullerton alumnus from the class of 1971, whose donation of over $100,000 supported the renovation.
Architecture and Atmosphere
The George G. Golleher Alumni House offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, appreciated for its personality and welcoming ambiance. Its Spanish Revival style architecture, dating back to 1931, exudes charm and elegance, making it a unique landmark on the CSUF campus. The house is easily accessible through an open, ivy-covered front entrance.
Event Spaces
The Golleher Alumni House provides a variety of spaces suitable for different events:
Fiesta Room with Back Courtyard: An intimate space featuring a vaulted ceiling, wood beams, and double doors that open onto a patio with a fountain. It can accommodate 10-60 seated guests or 1-130 standing guests. It is equipped with an AV system, microphone, and large screen TV.
Courtyard: The largest space on the property, suitable for both small and large events. It is equipped with market lights, an AV system, a microphone, a lapel mic, and a stage. It can accommodate 1-210 seated guests or 1-300 standing guests.
Read also: Baylor's Notable Alumni
Alumni Courtyard: Ideal for wedding ceremonies or intimate lunches and dinners. It features market lights and can accommodate 1-60 seated guests or 1-82 standing guests.
Usage and Accessibility
While some areas of the house were once available for rent by off-campus community members for special events, the Golleher Alumni House now focuses on hosting CSUF-specific events. These include Alumni Association and board activities, campus fundraisers and meetings, alumni events, networking events, and seminars and workshops by colleges across the university campus.
The Golleher Alumni House is wheelchair accessible, with ramps at the main and side entrances. Parking is available in a structure across from the house and in a small lot in front of the house, which can be reserved for a reduced rate. Parking is free starting Friday after 5:00 pm through Sunday.
Impact on Students and Alumni
The Alumni House serves as a vital link between current students and alumni. It provides a space for students to connect with alumni who have been in their shoes, offering motivational experiences and insights into the possibilities that a degree can unlock. The Alumni House is a landmark that resonates with all students and alumni, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Cal State Fullerton: A Brief Overview
Cal State Fullerton, the 12th State College in California, was authorized by the Legislature in 1957. The campus officially opened in the fall of 1960, with classes held in 12 temporary buildings. Since then, the university has experienced rapid growth, with numerous new buildings and an enrollment of over 40,000 students.
Read also: Columbia University Legacy
CSUF is committed to sustainability and energy efficiency. The university has received awards for its green building designs, which incorporate water savings, sustainable site development, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
CSUF enriches the lives of students and inspires them to thrive in a global environment. The university cultivates lifelong habits of scholarly inquiry, critical and creative thinking, dynamic inclusivity, and social responsibility.
The Cal State Fullerton Alumni Association
The Cal State Fullerton Alumni Association is a not-for-profit auxiliary organization that represents the university's alumni. The Association supports student success and university pride through engaging alumni in volunteer opportunities, educational, professional, and social activities. Alumni Association members receive exclusive benefits and services, including access to online career center resources, book borrowing privileges at CSU campus libraries, access to the Titan Recreation Center, discounts at the Titan bookstore, discounted insurance, and exclusive travel programs.
tags: #Golleher #Alumni #House #history
