Seerley Hall is a beautiful structure. The brick and cement pillars give it a very stately appearance. It is held by many as the landmark of the whole campus. Those of us who have arrived on campus in the last five years know it as the History building, but until researching, had not realized what this building meant to the University of Northern Iowa.

    When paying close attention, certain things are noticeable about Seerley. For instance, the brick on the stairwell does not quite match that of the rest of the building. This forces a realization that this building has been altered. Researching the history of this great structure reveals that it has held many positions. First, it is over ninety years old. President Homer Seerley had to lobby for many years to get it built. It has been through several renovations. With each renovation its function has changed. It began as a library and a museum. In 1965, it evolved into a classroom and office building for the College of Business Administration. In 1990, it evolved again into a home for the History Department, the Graduate College, and the Public Policy Program. In the fall of 2001, offices for the University's president and provost replaced those of the Graduate College and Public Policy Program.  However, there is more to its history.