Cesar E. Chavez building

The Cesar E. Chavez building, formerly known as the Economics building, was named in 2003 under President Peter Likins. The building today houses the Mexican American Studies Research Center, Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs and a variety of other classes.

Chávez is known for his work unionizing farm workers from the 1960s until his death on April 23, 1993.

His mother, Juana, cleaned the house of the UA president during the 1920s, said Socorro Carrisoza, C/HSA director.

Wildcat Family statue

Standing 14 feet tall and costing an estimated $170,000, the Wildcat Family sculpture was dedicated to former President Peter Likins and his wife Patricia by the UA Alumni Association at the unveiling of the Alumni Plaza in 2004.

The statue, sculpted by Tubac artist Nicholas Wilson, was built from an idea Likins came up with himself, though the dedication came as a total surprise to him and his wife, so much so it left Patricia Likins in tears.

“”It means more than I can possibly find words to explain,”” Likins said. “”We are very appreciative of the thoughtful people who dedicated that wonderful sculpture to us.””

Henry Koffler building

Built in 1992, the Koffler building is the home of biochemistry, microbiology and physiological sciences departments.

The building is named for Henry Koffler, UA president from 1982 to 1989, whose term was defined by a revamping of undergraduate education and streamlining of registration.

The bust of John ‘Button’ Salmon

The bust of John “”Button”” Salmon sits proudly outside of McKale Center, named for famed football coach and athletic director J.F. “”Pop”” McKale, as a tribute to all letter-earning athletes at the UA. In 1926, Button was the student body president, starting quarterback of the football team and catcher for the baseball team.

Salmon and two friends were involved in a automobile accident the day after the first game of the 1926 football season, leaving his friends uninjured while he suffered a severe injury to his spinal cord.

McKale visited Salmon every day he was in the hospital, and on his deathbed Salmon told McKale, “”Tell them…tell the team to bear down.”” Salmon died Oct. 18, 1926.

Marley building

The Marley building was named for Kemper Marley in 1992 after the UA received a $600,000 donation from Marley’s family foundation to complete the construction of the building that today houses the College of Agriculture.

Kemper Marley has been implicated, but never formally charged, in the 1976 car-bomb murder of Arizona Republic news reporter Don Bolles. Bolles was investigating alleged mob ties and claims of land fraud connected to Marley before he was murdered.

To this day, some argue the name of the building should be changed.

Photos courtesy of Taylor House