Then & Now

A lot has changed in 175 years, from the campus landscape to educational technology to physical education classes. Compare Eastern Michigan University then and now, enjoy the memories, and see how styles and times have changed. You’ll also rediscover the spirit and perseverance that have prepared EMU well for another 175 years.

Eastern’s campus is a beautiful place for a walk. Then (top photo), foot traffic at Ford Hall circa 1960. Now (above), morning breaks at Halle Library, which features a newly renovated first floor, boasting new consulting, exhibit and office spaces.

Then as now, science was an important part of an EMU education. Professor Lucy Osband’s physiology classroom was well equipped by 1892 standards; today, Megan Moore’s forensic anthropology students review DNA research and conduct foreign fieldwork to solve mysteries of history.

Then, typewriters were considered high tech, students took turns using them, carbon paper and white-out were musts and research required physical books. Now, students take personal computers to class, collaborate over the internet, access academic journals via search engines and connect with experts via email or social media.

Then, Ypsilanti school kids came to campus for theatre classes. Now, Eastern brings theatre into the community and also offers sensory-friendly performances on campus for individuals with hearing, vision, mobility and sensory differences.

Then, a midcentury-modern dorm lounge was a great place for residents to gather. Now, students live, study and hang out with friends in their own apartments with full kitchens, large living areas and great campus views.

Then, an ice cream machine in the dorm was the height of luxury and convenience. Now, Eagles have a plethora of delicious choices—including Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Tú Tacos and PhoU—in the Student Center, Eastern Eateries and the grab-and-go markets around campus.

Then and now, Eastern students raise their voices for justice. Then, students organized to protest the arrest of 14 students for their participation in the 1969 Pierce Hall demonstration. Now, a new generation speaks out at the Statehouse in Lansing.

Then, a high-stepping drum major practiced his moves alone. Now, the “pride of the peninsula” boasts three drum majors, and band members make all the right moves to fire up the crowd on game day.

Then, the library was in “Old Main,” where librarian Genevieve Walton served for 40 years. Now, Halle Library’s renovation has created a collaborative space and new offices for the Civil Rights & Social Justice Center, Center for Jewish Studies, and the University Archives and Oral History Program.

Then, gridiron warriors practiced in leather helmets on Briggs Field, near where the Mark Jefferson Science Complex stands. Now, Eastern plays at Rynearson Stadium, where new signature gray turf was installed in time for the 2024 season.

In the early 1900s, gym classes were held in Normal Gymnasium—now the Cross St. parking lot—and gym clothes were cumbersome for calisthenics. Now, the REC-IM building offers cardio and weight training, aquatics, e-sports, basketball courts, an indoor track, yoga/dance studio, foosball, pool, air hockey and social spaces.

Then and now, Homecoming offers something for everyone. Then, cheerleaders decked out in bobby socks and letter sweaters led the parade on game day, with the band close behind. Now, students stand in line to build their own Swoop mini-mascots during the Homecoming festivities.

Then and now, students find their favorite study spots all over campus. Then, the grass outside Sill Hall was a popular place to sprawl and study; now, some students choose their favorite campus settings—with seating—like this one outside of Welch Hall.