Dedication of Marshall-Adams Hall framed poster (interior, west entrance, mounted on wall) - text of the poster “The Dedication of Marshall – Adams Hall at Michigan State University – Saturday, October 1, 2005.
Marshall Hall Was Built in 1902 and is positioned slightly east of the other members of Laboratory Row. Stylistically eclectic, the Richardsonian Romanesque inspiration is evident in its hipped roof with cross gables, cavernous arched entrance, and decorated gables. Inside, the Gothic-inspired wooden staircase banister is intact.
In 1903 this building was known as Bacteriology and was one of the first structures erected in the United States solely for research and teaching in this field. Dr. Charles E. Marshall served here as assistant professor and head of the Department of Bacteriology and Farm Hygiene (1900-02) and professor and head of the Department of Bacteriology and Hygiene (1902-12). The building was later named for him.
On September 20, 2002, Marchall Hall was renamed Marshall-Adams Hall by a unanimous vote of the MSU Board of Trustees, in honor of Walter Adams, former MSU professor and president. The renaming and renovation was made possible by a generous gift from former MSU Board of Trustees member Randall Pittman and his wife Mary."
-John Kenneth Galbraith, Professor of Economics at Harvard University and President of the American Economics Association
Walter Adams joined Michigan State University in 1947 as an assistant professor of economics, and he retired in 1993, as a University Distinguished Professor and professor of economics. From April 1, 1969, until January 1, 1970, he was the thirteenth president of the university. In his research, teaching, and public service, Adams focused on the behavior and social control of big business. A prolific author, he still found time to testify frequently before congressional committees and to serve as an expert witness in antitrust proceedings. Adams was a legendary teacher, winning awards from the students, the university, the state of Michigan, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Sporting a Tyrolean hat, cigar, and Marching Band jacket, Adams was the most recognizable and perhaps the most beloved figure on campus for more than four decades. During most of his years at the university, his office was located in this building."
Randall L. Pittman plaque (interior, west entrance) text of the plaque – “Randall L. Pittman "Dr. Walter Adams reflects what is great about Michigan State University. He exemplifies the many outstanding MSU professors, both past and present, who have helped teach and shape generations of students. Dr. Adams had a tremendous influence on my life and had considerable influence on the history of MSU as both a prominent professor of economics and university president.
“Michigan State University is also to be commended for preserving and transforming its historical buildings on campus. The renovation of Marhshall-Adams Hall will enable MSU to continue fulfilling its land-grant mission of providing a quality education for generations of students to come.”
- Randall L. Pittman
On September 20, 2002, Randall L. Pittman and his wife, Mrs. Mary Pittman, made a gift for the complete rehabilitation of Marshall Hall, a home to the Department of Economics. The Pittmans requested that Marshall Hall be renamed Marshall-Adams Hall, in honor of the late Dr. Walter Adams, president emeritus of Michigan State University, an acclaimed economist, a University Distinguished professor, and a friend and mentor to Randall Pittman.
Randall Pittman received both his bachelor’s degree and a master of business administration degree from Michigan State University. He later served as a member of the MSU Board of Trustees. As an undergraduate, he became friends with Adams, a teacher and mentor for whom he later worked as a graduate assistant.