2026 News from Housing and Dining Services

Celebrating a Century of On-Campus Living

For a century, the residence halls at Kansas State University have meant more to students than just a place to live. They have been cherished places where friendships blossomed, traditions took root, and lifelong memories were formed.

Living on-campus has been an integral part of the K-State experience for generations of Wildcats. Residence halls have provided a place to study, share meals, celebrate milestones and build connections that often extend well beyond graduation.

Building an On-Campus Community

While the buildings have changed over the years, the heart of our on-campus communities remains the same; students living, learning and growing together.

In 1926, Van Zile Hall opened as an all-female residence hall, laying an early foundation for the residential communities that would become an important part of the K-State experience. Over the decades that followed, the university continued to expand and adapt its housing options to meet the changing needs of its students.

The years following World War II brought significant changes to campus. As veterans returned home and enrolled at K-State, the university transformed military barracks and even portions of Memorial Stadium into temporary housing. In 1948, the Department of Housing was officially established, marking the beginning of what is now K-State Housing and Dining Services.

From there, campus continued to grow. New residence halls including Boyd, Putnam, Goodnow, Marlatt, Moore, Ford and Haymaker joined the K-State landscape throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Jardine Apartments also became an important part of the university community, beginning with its first buildings in 1957 and expanding throughout the following decades.

The history of K-State housing isn't simply a story of buildings. It is a story of the people who filled them. Residence halls and apartments became places where students met roommates who became lifelong friends, gathered for meals, discovered leadership opportunities and created traditions of their own. As K-State's housing program grew, so did its commitment to creating communities where students could feel connected and supported.

That commitment has continued through generations of change. Jardine Apartments underwent major renovations and expansion beginning in the 2000s. New living and dining spaces followed, including Wefald Hall and the new Kramer Dining Center in 2016.

The 2020s have brought the closure of the Strong Complex for updates made possible by donor partnerships, Derby Dining reopening in 2021 after a yearlong renovation, Moore Hall upgrades, the reopening of Van Zile and Boyd Halls and continued improvements across campus including Putnam and Haymaker Hall.

As we reflect on the history of housing at K-State we are always looking toward the future of how we can improve the living experience, provide resources, promote involvement and foster friendships in our learners.

Alumni Memories: A Century of Stories

From late-night conversations and shared meals to lifelong friendships and unexpected adventures, every generation has its own memories of living on campus.

Kim Schwartz Perkins, 1987 - 1988, Boyd Hall

"Boyd Hall is such a bundle of warm and happy memories. My mornings began in the basement dining hall eating delicious coffee cake and reading the Collegian while my permed hair air dried. But the highlight would be the late-night hike across campus with Boyd Hall sisters to welcome the victorious basketball team after beating KU - priceless!"

Eric Magette, 1993 - 1996, Haymaker Hall

"Haymaker 6 and 7 was my home at K-State! Three total years as a resident, then CA, then RA! It's how I met my wife Kristin Magette who was an RA in Ford!"

Nadine Dolan, 1969 - 1973, Putnam Hall

"For three years beginning my freshman year (1969) I lived in Putnam Hall and worked as an RA under Mabel Strong for three semesters. Putnam was all-girl when I lived there; we were given curfews and had to wear dresses to dinner until the end of my freshman year.

I remember Mabel as fair to her students and staff. She ran a tight ship, though that was not a bad thing. Our meals were in the basement of Putnam, and the food was good. College administrators, like Chet Peters, VP of student affairs, would come to Putnam for lunch and would sit and eat with the students.

Christmas was a big deal at the hall and Mabel’s favorite time of the year. She would have a huge tree for the living room that reached the ceiling and smaller trees on each floor. Garland was wrapped on the stair railing with lights going from the second floor to the basement. This was real trees and garland. The crazy thing though was Mabel had horrible asthma and allergies and would suffer through the holidays. She wanted the holiday atmosphere for the girls. I have found memories of KSU. I have attended three other colleges since graduating, but if anyone asks where I went to school, I always say K-State."

Carolyn Walker, 1962 - 1963, West Hall

"I lived in West Hall the first year that it was open. Years later my daughter lived there and most recently a grandson!"

These memories offer a glimpse into the countless stories that have unfolded over the past century and the lasting connections that continue today.

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

A century of on-campus living represents much more than a collection of buildings. It represents generations of students who found a home away from home, formed friendships and became part of a community.

As we reminisce on the past 100 years, we also look ahead to the next generation of students who will create their own traditions, memories and connections.

Join the Celebration

K-State invites students, alumni, families and friends to celebrate 100 years of living and learning on campus at the 100 Years Strong Celebration.

9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
Strong Complex | Manhattan, Kansas

Guests will have an opportunity to tour newly remodeled Strong residence halls, share memories with fellow Wildcats and take a walk down memory lane. Alumni and friends are also encouraged to share photographs and memories from their residence hall experiences, which will be compiled into a slideshow.

Come celebrate K-State housing, reconnect with old friends, explore the changes to campus and share the memories that have made residence hall life an enduring part of the Wildcat experience.