Martindale Student Services Center
When I’m out and about around campus, I sometimes pass tour groups. Made up of one or two people or dozens at times, these are potential students and their parents being shown around campus by an orientation leader. If you want to learn about this campus, ask an orientation leader, which is what I did. I managed to get their handbook that lists interesting spots on campus.
One such spot is Martindale Student Services Center:
Martindale began life as the Gymnasium (1929) and served as the HQ for basketball until the Tad Smith Coliseum (1966) was built. After that it became offices for Recreational Services and there was an outdoor pool on the west side of the building. After many years the pool was dug up (probably around 1990 or so) and the building was used as office space and library holdings. It was renovated in 1997-98 so staff from the Lyceum could move into it while the Lyceum was being renovated. The Chancellor was located in what is now the International Programs Office on the 3rd floor. It is named for Larry Martindale, who is a former basketball player who played in this building and gave the lead gift not only for its renovation, but gave a big gift that helps pay for the beautiful landscaping around the University. Mr. Martindale was a partner in the Ritz Carlton Hotel chain and we take some of our landscaping ideas from their scheme.