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History

Renovated historic building. New vision.

Gershman Graduate Center History Timeline

1902 

The Oxford House was built as a home for UND presidents. It is said to have been the first home in the city wired for electricity at the time of construction. Its construction was aided with money loaned from President Webster Merrifield and his new wife, Elizabeth Bull, widow of the Cream of Wheat  Company founder.

Architect Joseph Bell DeRemer designed the Colonial Revival mansion as a showplace, featuring a ballroom,
three fireplaces, stained glass and all the modern conveniences of a time: speaking tubes, a dumbwaiter,
and the “most sanitary construction.”

It remains the oldest standing building on campus.

1955

President George Starcher moved into a new official residence, and Oxford House became a men’s dormitory.

1963

The UND Art Department moved in for a seven-year stay.

1973 

The house was saved from scheduled demolition and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, which qualified it for matching federal funds. It was then restored, with help from major gifts from the Myra Foundation, the Campbell family foundation, and the estate of W. Kenneth Hyslop.

1981 

The J. Lloyd Stone Alumni Center was named in honor of J. Lloyd Stone; the staff of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation moved in that year. J. Lloyd Stone had revitalized the University of North Dakota Alumni Association after World War II; he served as its executive vice-president for 29 years.

2012

UND Alumni Association & Foundation staff relocated from the J. Lloyd Stone House to the newly built
Gorecki Alumni Center.

2018

The building restoration was designed by JLG Architects of Grand Forks. They began work in October 2018 and completed it in June 2021.

2020

Thanks to generous benefactors Hal and Kathy Gershman, and after many months of design discussions among the Provost's Office, Graduate School, Architects, Facilities, UND Foundation, Donors and current graduate students, the renovation began. It included upgrades and reinforcement of the foundation, mechanical and electric systems, elevator, pillars, roof, windows, flooring and landscape. Accessibility to the balconies was improved, and period-specific lighting, drapery, wall-covering, and other furnishings were carefully chosen and installed throughout the building.

2021

The Gershman Graduate Center opened August 2, 2021.

new gershman engagement center
Gershman family donation poses new use for historic UND building.

Thanks to a $3 million gift from Hal and Kathy Gershman, the historic Stone House building will be renovated for graduate students.

Read More
Gershman Graduate Center
3233 University Ave Stop 8179
Grand Forks, ND 58202
P 701.777.2850
gershmancenter@UND.edu

Hours of Operation

View building and after hour access

Parking

Guests may park in the pay lot located north of the Gershman Graduate Center on University Ave.

UND Parking Map

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School of Graduate Studies

Twamley Hall Room 103
264 Centennial Dr Stop 8178
Grand Forks, ND 58202

701.777.2784  | gradschool@UND.edu

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