Russ Hall
One of the oldest buildings still standing in Pittsburg and beautifully preserved, Russ Hall was built in 1908 and named in 1912 after the university's founder and first principal. A fire caused by lightning in 1914 left it nearly destroyed, but through the efforts of the community, faculty, and staff, it was rebuilt in 1915. The building's front facade, with its four iconic pillars, and the grand marble staircase just inside the front door, have been the site of thousands of graduation and reunion photos over the decades. The building now houses a blend of administrative offices, including that of the university president, and classrooms.
Porter Hall
Porter Hall is home to the PSU Art Department, including three art galleries. Built in 1927, it was named for a state legislator, Ebenezer Porter, who sponsored a bill in 1903 that paved the way for PSU to be built and who helped to get funding for it. First used as a library, it was replaced in 1979 by the newly opened Axe Library. After renovations, in 1988 the Art Department moved in. The Harry Krug Gallery and the University Gallery feature rotating exhibits by national and international professional artists, while the Second Floor Gallery features community-based art projects and student-curated exhibits. The building is home to studios for ceramics, sculpture, drawing, painting, digital art, printmaking, jewelry design, and metalsmithing. The artwork of PSU graduates can be seen across campus and community in the form of sculptures and murals. The galleries are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. M-F.
Night Song Sculpture
On the east side of Porter Hall in a picturesque, shaded area is Night Song, a bronze sculpture of a Native American playing a flute, designed by professional artist and PSU graduate Joe Beeler (Class of 1957). It was dedicated on Oct. 11, 2001. Stone benches under a canopy of trees are a great spot for a rest.
Wooster Gorilla
The Wooster Gorilla has overlooked the Oval from its position at the main south doors of the Overman Student Center since 1965, when it was installed there as a gift from the 1965 senior class. The iconic statue’s sculptor and namesake was longtime art instructor Larry Wooster.(Need a snack, drink, or place to rest indoors while on your walk? The Student Center includes a food court on the main level, an Einstein Bros. Bagels on the lower level, and comfortable seating areas throughout the building that are open to the public.)
Champion Tree
Located just outside and to the left of the south-facing central doors of the Overman Student Center is a champion tree – a tree that is the largest of its species in a given year, according to a database maintained by the Forest Service. This particular tree is a water oak that stands 52 feet tall, is 12 feet 3 inches in circumference, and has a crown of 81 feet, earning it 219 points and the title of State Champion in 2017. It's tucked into a corner on the south side of the Overman Student Center and has a view of the nearby Oval. Thousands of students, staff, faculty, and community members have walked by it every day for decades.
Overman Student Center
Need a snack, drink, or place to rest indoors while on your walk? The Overman Student Center, named after a longtime beloved Gorilla, includes a food court on the main level, an Einstein Bros. Bagels on the lower level, spacious meeting rooms, and comfortable seating areas and restrooms throughout the building that are open to the public. While you’re here, pose for a photo on the “park bench” with the #OAGAAG (Once a Gorilla. Always a Gorilla.) statue in Gorilla Crossing (main level, center of the building), or shop at the Barnes & Nobel Bookstore where you’ll find plenty of Gorilla gear. The OSC also is home base to Campus Activities, Student Government Association, and the Gorilla Food Pantry.
Garden Beds
The garden beds are a must-see on a walk across campus, especially in the spring when hundreds of crimson and gold tulips are blooming, and in the summer and early fall when they're replanted with a jungle theme — we even have banana trees!
The Oval
Located in the heart of campus, it is named for the shape the sidewalk loop makes when seen from above. It’s a green space with a diverse array of shade trees and landscaping beds (known for tulips in the spring and tropical “jungle” plants in the summer), picnic tables, and stone benches donated by classes through the years. It’s the main hub for students (and faculty!) crossing from building to building for classes, and is a great spot to interact, play Frisbee, or sit for a moment and visit. In the heart of The Oval is a concrete circle adorned with an engraved “splitface” logo — a place organizations and clubs often choose to set up booths or promote causes. Tradition keeps students and alumni from stepping directly on that logo!
Nature Reach
On the third floor of Heckert-Wells you'll find Nature Reach, based in the PSU Biology Department since 1985. In a room filled with live animals under the care of a credentialled environmental educator, and a curriculum of programming designed for school and community groups, it provides PSU Biology students who work there a hands-on learning opportunity. Many of them have hopes of one day becoming veterinarians, park rangers, nature center interpreters, and other related careers. Nature Reach also includes an off-site nature preserve that is home to a variety of raptors living in captivity and used for environmental education programs. It is open to the public by appointment. Details: 620-235-4805.
L. Russell Kelce Planetarium
The L. Russell Kelce Planetarium opened in Yates Hall in July 1964 and saw 10,000 visitors the first year — most from area schools. Today, the planetarium, which can seat 50 and is wheelchair accessible, still provides programs for schools (elementary, secondary, and university), churches, and other groups, as well as public programs. Each program features a tour of the current night sky and a topical program. The projector is capable of projecting stars, constellations, planets, the sun, the moon (and phases), daily motion of the sky, yearly motion of the sky, and motion to view the sky from any latitude on Earth. The planetarium also uses slides and music during shows. Admission is $3 per adult and $2 for children, students, and seniors (cash at door). To schedule a private program, contact the Department of Physics at 620-235-4391. For a list of upcoming programs, visit www.pittstate.edu/physics/Planetarium.html
Centennial Bell Tower
The Centennial Bell Tower, located between the Axe Library and Carnie Smith Stadium, was a gift from the senior classes of 1993 through 1996. Tradition is for incoming freshmen to ring it when they’ve enrolled and for graduating seniors to ring it on Commencement Day.
Carnie Smith Stadium and Brandenburg Field
Home to the winningest football program in NCAA Division II, this is hallowed ground for thousands of alumni, coaches, and fans and one of the most beautiful stadiums you’ll ever visit. Built in 1923 with 5,000 seats on what was then the south edge of campus, it was named Brandenburg Stadium in honor of the university’s first president, William Brandenburg. After major renovations to the stadium and field in 1986, it was rededicated as Carnie Smith Stadium, named after the legendary football coach who led the Gorillas to two NAIA national championships and six conference titles during his 17-year tenure (1949-1966). The field was named William A. Brandenburg Field. In 2001, second-level seating was added on the east side with 14 luxury skyboxes, elevator access, new restrooms, concession stands, ticket booths, and renovated locker rooms. The project also added 2,300 seats, bringing capacity to 7,950. In 2006, eight luxury skybox suites were added to the west side, along with elevator access. In 2008, the stadium’s video board, the “Jungletron,” was unveiled to give fans 2,800 square-feet of vibrant video and scoring updates. In 2019, it was upgraded, and in 2020, new turf was installed. Each project was funded by private donations from students, faculty, alumni, and community members, just as when the stadium was built in 1923.
Champions Plaza and Champion Gorilla
Unveiled in October 2014 east of Carnie Smith Stadium, the plaza was designed to honor the passion that Pittsburg State students and alumni feel for their university while at the same time celebrating the achievements of the university’s athletic teams. A destination for alumni and fans, it is the centerpiece of “Gorilla Walk” before each home football game and features one of the most photographed Gorilla sculptures on campus — a larger-than-life bronze gorilla created by world-renowned artist, Tom Corbin. The plaza also features the Circle of Champions, comprised of bronze medallions of Pittsburg State coaches whose teams have achieved the ultimate competitive goal, a national championship. Surrounding those are more than 1,500 personalized pavers honoring Gorillas around the world. Learn more about purchasing a paver. Sculpted by world-renowned artist, Tom Corbin, this iconic 2,000-pound bronze Gorilla is one of the most photographed sites on campus. It stands at the center of Pittsburg State’s Champions Plaza east of Carnie Smith Stadium.
Gorilla Village
Gorilla Village encompasses several structures east of Carnie Smith Stadium, including the Gazebo, the East Shelter (the shelter closest to the brown parking lot), and the West Shelter (the shelter closest to the stadium). It can be accessed from the Hike-Bike Trail that runs east and west from Joplin to Rouse, and is adjacent to the University Lake and to Champions Plaza — the heart of tailgating on game day. Anyone is welcome here — students, alumni, employees, community members, and visitors. Walk a dog, eat a picnic, stroll around the lake.
University Lake
This 2-acre, kidney-shaped lake was built by the Civil Works Administration in 1934. It’s now surrounded by a grassy lawn dotted with mature trees and shrubs. Nearby, you’ll find two shelter houses and a gazebo, as well as picnic tables, that make perfect spots to enjoy a snack or shady rest on your walk. Two bridges with metal railings cross the lake near its center.It’s a popular spot for students, faculty, staff, and community members to hang a hammock, fish, read a book, and play frisbee. For decades, it’s hosted annual raft races during Homecoming Week, and it’s long been a popular spot for high school students for senior photos and prom photos. In the spring, a variety of blooming trees add color, and in the fall, the autumn colors are spectacular — especially on a clear day when reflected in the lake!
Hike-Bike Path
If you'd like to return to your starting point at Russ Hall, turn west (left) and stay on the hike-bike path, to continue on the tour by turning east (right).
Garfield Weede Gymnasium & John Lance Arena
Peek in the Weede Gymnasium, home to the John F. Lance Arena.
Bicknell Family Center for the Arts & Andy Warhol print
The Bicknell Family Center for the Arts is a premiere destination for the region. Peek inside whenever the building is open to see the stunning architecture and learn more about upcoming performances, and to view a 1987 serigraph of Andy Warhol’s “Beethoven, II. 390 on the 2nd floor mezzanine.On Dec. 7, 2014, the center opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the facility. On March 12, 2015, the center celebrated with a gala performance hosted by its namesake, local entrepreneur Gene Bicknell. Since then, the center has hosted tens of thousands of audience members. It was designed and constructed by the world's most renowned theater architects and features a 1,100-seat performance hall, a 250-seat theater, and a 3,500 square-foot art gallery. It provides students, faculty, staff, and the community transformational experiences behind the scenes and on stage in music, theatre, and art — from locally-produced concerts, plays, and exhibits, to national tours of Broadway shows. The center annually hosts numerous public speakers of note as part of the H. Lee Scott Lecture Series and Women in Government Lecture Series, including former First Lady Laura Bush, former President Bill Clinton, legendary NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and more. The center also hosts large campus gatherings, including the annual International Food & Culture Fair. Learn more at bicknellcenter.com
Plaster Center
The Robert W. Plaster Center is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts a variety of university and community events, including national track and field championships, career fairs, Special Olympics events, and Commencement. Dedicated on April 21, 2015, it is named for the founder of Empire Gas Company and a philanthropist who created the Robert W. Plaster Foundation. At 154,000-square-feet, it is large enough to park two Boeing 787 Dreamliners, nose-to-tail. Its construction was a collaborative effort funded through the City of Pittsburg, support from the county, student fees, and private donors. Surrounding the field is the 300-meter Harvey Dean Track, one of the finest in the U.S. and named after alumnus and Pitsco, Inc. CEO Harvey Dean. Along the southern wall is seating for up to 1,500 fans. Overlooking the track and field is the 11,000-square foot ProMaxima Strength and Conditioning Center, funded by an alumnus who built his company into one of the top names in commercial fitness equipment. PSU began a multi-year contract with the Four State Farm Show in 2021 that relocated it from the all-outdoor venue south of Pittsburg where weather often was an issue. Using the Plaster Center allowed the show to offer more than 400 climate controlled indoor booths to exhibitors and vendors, while more than 500 booths including large machinery had an ideal location outdoors.
Kansas Technology Center
Opened in 1997, this sprawling, state-of-the-art facility is home to PSU’s College of Technology. It includes Automotive Technology, Engineering Technology, Graphic and Imaging Technologies, Technology and Workforce Learning, and the School of Construction. Many of the programs within those departments are unique in the nation, including Architectural Manufacturing Management and Technology, Caterpillar ThinkBIGGER, and Plastics Engineering Technology. It is the largest building on the PSU campus — and one of the largest in the region — at 286,000 square feet. Two wings of the building were dedicated as the City of Pittsburg Technology Building and the Gene Bicknell Tech Building. On May 31, 2004, a third wing was dedicated as the Sen. Robert J. Dole Technology Building. That September, a fourth wing was dedicated as the Gov. Bill Graves Technology Building. A fifth wing was dedicated as the Gov. Joan Finney Technology Building in April 2005.
Brooker Memorial Sundial
The sundial was given in memory of longtime technology professor George Ray Brooker, designed by longtime art professor Robert Blunk Jr., and dedicated on March 14, 2000, at the Kansas Technology Center’s North Entrance.
Students' Life Sculpture
The sculpture was designed by Tom Corbin and dedicated on April 22, 2005, in the Kansas Technology Center Courtyard. Corbin also is the sculpture of the massive bronze sculpture “Champion Gorilla” east of Carnie Smith Stadium.
PSU Veterans Memorial
A permanent tribute to all Americans who have served in one of the five branches of the U.S. Armed Services, the Pittsburg State University Veterans Memorial is one of the most often-visited sites in Southeast Kansas. It features a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., more than 3,400 engraved granite pavers honoring persons living and deceased who have served in the military, an online and print directory to assist with locating names, 50 state flags, a reflecting pool, and an eternal flame. The 250-seat amphitheater is a venue for special events including Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances and a variety of events in collaboration with the PSU Military Science Department and ROTC.At each entrance to the amphitheater is a large bronze sculpture — one representing military strength and a counterpoint representing world peace: “Secure the Blessings of Liberty” and “Peace and Tranquility” were designed by Constance Ann Ernatt.The memorial was dedicated May 31, 2004. The site is located at 1909 S. Rouse Ave. in Pittsburg, Kansas, and is open to the public 24 hours a day, year-round. Additional details may be found at psuvetmemorial.org and on Facebook and Instagram at @PSUVeteransMemorial.
Galloping Horse of Gansu
The Galloping Horse of Gansu was installed at the University Lake in May 2003. The statue was a gift of Huo Baozhu, president of the Shaanxi Five Rings Sculptural Art Company. The home to the east of the sculpture is called The Crossland House, and it's home to the PSU president and his family. It's also a place for university gatherings throughout the year.To reach the next point on the tour, Timmons Chapel, either head west across the lake on the two bridges, or walk around the south end of the lake on the grassy berm.
Timmons Chapel
This Gothic-style, all-faiths chapel was completed in 1966 as a gift to the university from longtime benefactor Beth Spiva Timmons. A quiet place for meditation, solitude, and worship, it provides a beautiful setting for a small wedding. It seats 100 and features stone walls, a slate roof, bronze bells cast in Holland, and a small pipe organ. Those who reserve it must be affiliated with Pittsburg State University in some way to use the chapel — a current student, alumni, or employee. Each December for more than 50 years, it’s been the setting for the university’s Timmons Music Concert.
Centennial Mural
The Centennial Mural, designed by Mark Switlik (BFA ‘79) to celebrate PSU's 100th birthday, was completed in 2004 and can be found in Lindburg Plaza, on the north end of Nation Hall at Pitt State. Switlik is known for his big art, and this mural doesn’t disappoint: It’s 43- by 41-feet. He painted it using the fresco technique, incorporating pigment with water directly onto the building material, so he expects it to last 50 or 60 years. It is part of Lindburg Plaza, bordered to the south by Gibson Dining Hall, Nation Hall, and Willard Hall, and to the north by Whitesitt Hall and McCray Hall. It is frequently the site for campus activities. Here, you also can see "Cadence," a sculpture designed by Jon Havener and dedicated in 2000, and Benelli Memorial Clock, dedicated in 2002 in memory of Martin "Bud" Benelli Sr., a longtime local jeweler and watchmaker.
C.B. Fisk Opus 106 Organ
In the Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall, in McCray Hall, you’ll find a remarkable 3-manual, mechanical action Fisk Pipe Organ, installed in 1995 and funded by private donors through the PSU Foundation. It was designed and built by internationally-recognized organ master C.B. Fisk, with 41 independent speaking stops, 57 ranks, and 2,270 pipes. The color scheme was inspired by the beautiful tiles in the foyer of McCray Hall, and great care was taken to ensure that the visual effect would provide a subtle sculptural quality which would enhance the space and not overwhelm the hall.
Tour conclusion
You're back to Russ Hall, the "front door" of Pittsburg State University! Thanks for taking this tour with us.Learn more about Pitt State at pittstate.edu, or on social media at:Facebook @PittStateInstagram @pittsburg_stateTwitter @pittstate
