The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s longest serving residence hall, Love Memorial Hall, will be closing as a student housing facility in May 2025.
The decision to close Love Memorial Hall was made due to ongoing maintenance and a decline in student demand for cooperative housing. Future use of the building is to be determined.
“For more than 80 years, Love Memorial Hall has been a cherished residence, fostering a strong sense of community among residents,” said Matt Nelson, Director of Residence Life. “However, the infrastructure of the building presents significant challenges to maintaining it as a safe, viable option for students. in addition, we’ve seen a shift in student preferences toward more modern living accommodations, and interest in cooperative-style housing as decreased.”
Built in 1940, Love Memorial Hall, originally served students studying home economics. It eventually opened to all female students, regardless of major, marked by a unique cooperative lifestyle where residents are responsible for cooking meals and maintaining the building themselves.
“Living in Love Memorial Hall has always been about more than just a place to stay,” Nelson said. “The residents have built a family-like atmosphere, learning Valuable skills while forming strong bonds through shared responsibilities. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and that’s why so may alumni look bat that their time here with such fond memories.”
To honor the history and tradition of Love Memorial Hall, University Housing and Dining is launching the Love for Love campaign, an opportunity for alumni, current residents and UNL faculty and staff to share memories of the hall. he stories and photos will be featured on social media throughout the 2024-25 academic year, and a tribute event will be held in spring 2025 to commerate the hall before it closes.
The exact date, time and location of the tribute event will be announced.