Somsen Hall celebrated its 100th anniversary on Thursday, October 17— exactly one century after this beloved hall first opened in 1924. Over the years, Somsen has changed in some regards, but so much has stayed the same, including the historic and iconic architecture on the outside, the grotesques, the Harriet Johnson Auditorium, and so much more. It has been home to countless professors, students, classes, and amazing experiences.
On Thursday, copies of the original blueprints of the building were on display, and students filed in to enjoy celebratory cupcakes. At noon, a plaque was unveiled by Winona State University President Kenneth Janz on the side of the building, commemorating Somsen Hall’s century of excellence and its 2013 induction into the National Register of Historic Places.
In May of 2024, Winona State was approached by the Heritage Preservation Commission, which is a county group that seeks to preserve historic buildings. Each May, which is historic preservation month, the committee picks a building to focus on—this year it was Somsen. There was an open house in May, but since the semester had ended, most students were not able to attend this event. This October celebration is the student-facing event meant to celebrate Somsen with those on campus.
Senior director of marketing, communications, and media relations Andrea Northam helped facilitate this centennial celebration.
“I first came on campus as a child. My mother worked for the university, so I kind of grew up on campus and things have shifted, but not significantly in the past 30 years,” Northam said. She believes that Somsen Hall is an integral part of the Winona State community. “It’s quite elaborate and beautiful…It’s important to recognize that Winona State’s been here serving its mission for 166 years, and Somsen’s a big part of that. Being here over the last 100 years…it’s academia; it’s hallowed halls.”
Somsen Hall was originally built as an administrative building, auditorium, gymnasium, and junior-high program. Now, it is home to the Winona State College of Business. First-year student Ellie Speltz attended the centennial celebration.
“I think that the auditorium is really cool; I’m such a big fan of architecture and theater. Every time I’m in that room, I’m just like, ‘wow’.” Speltz said.
Another first-year student attending the celebration, Savannah Nicolai, visits Somsen Hall frequently.
“I like doing homework here…It’s just a very nice place to chill and have a good time.” Nicolai said.
According to Northam, Somsen has been a “hub of community significance in terms of bringing our campus community together, but also inviting people regionally to come to campus to be able to hear and learn from significant minds of the time.” The Harriet Johnson Auditorium has hosted many brilliants speakers, including Maya Angelou, Kurt Vonnegut, and Michael Pollan, among many others.
While the uses of the building have changed throughout the years, its stunning architecture and iconic personality has remained unchanging throughout the past century. Students, staff, and community members alike hope that Somsen Hall will be filled with many more memories and learning experiences in the next 100 years and beyond. Happy 100th birthday, Somsen!
