Remembering the Alumni House

"A house is made of brick and stone. A home is made of love alone."

We can't be certain who said it first, but the sentiment seems to ring especially true among those who cried, hugged, and at times watched in stunned silence as the Alumni House, considered by some to be the heartbeat of the JSU campus, came down on June 1, 2018.

A casualty of the March 19, 2018 tornado that devastated much of campus and the northeast Jacksonville residential area, the house had welcomed generations of returning alumni for every homecoming since 1982, when it was reintroduced as the Alumni House after purchase and renovation by the university. In the years that followed, the little house built in 1839 in the style of a Swiss chateau was the site of shrimp boils and cookouts, university and community events, and hundreds of showers, parties, proposals and weddings. One would be hard pressed to find a Jacksonville resident or any individual connected to Jacksonville State University who does not possess at least one fond memory of the special house with the wraparound porch and a swing that begged one to stop, sit and visit for awhile. The house was quintessentially Southern, and the perfect place to lay out the welcome mat for the "Friendliest Campus in the South." Although we know that we are JSU Strong and will rebuild in its place, we will always mourn the loss of our little white house with the Juliet balcony and the gingerbread trim.

Below, we have collected a few photos of the Alumni House taken through the years. We hope you enjoy reminiscing with us.

The Atlanta Pipe Band performs at a September 11 Remembrance ceremony on the Alumni House lawn in 2010.
This sign set the tone for homecoming each year at the Alumni House.
Alumni mingle on the front lawn on Homecoming 2007.
Alumni and friends ignored the cold rain to gather at the House on what would be its last Homecoming in 2017.
Cocky and First Lady Dr. Pam Beehler greet guests on Homecoming 2016
The Alumni House and grounds looked especially peaceful during a February 2010 snowfall.
JSU Alumni Krystin Mitchell and Martin Currier were among hundreds of couples who chose to marry at the Alumni House.
Callista Clark and Southbound play music under the pavilion on Homecoming 2017.
The sign in front of the Alumni House was a popular place for portraits when alumni came home.
Willard and Joan Butterworth on the JSU Alumni House lawn with a Shelby Cobra reproduction car he had custom made for his wife for their 30th wedding anniversary in 2007.
The stately Alumni House and its sweeping lawn was the backdrop for many celebrations.
The paths around the Alumni House were lined with bricks purchased in honor and memory of loved ones. The path remains, waiting for the day when there will be another structure to welcome alumni and friends back to campus.
The 2012 Cheerleaders and Cocky pose on the steps of the Alumni House.
The Alumni House lawn was always a popular viewing area for the annual Homecoming parade. This image is from 2016, the last time the Alumni House served as the backdrop for the annual celebration. (The 2017 parade was rained out)
Alumni and friends mingle in the Alumni House pavilion during Homecoming 2016.
The Alumni House in the snow, February 2010.
From the azaleas in spring, to crape myrtles in summer, to maple leaves in fall, the Alumni House was beautiful in all seasons. This view of the crape myrtles in bloom was taken in July 2017.
Alumni and friends enjoy the homecoming parade from the Alumni House lawn.
The sign welcoming alumni and friends to the last Homecoming at the JSU Alumni House, in 2017.
Homecoming attendees on the Alumni House lawn, 2017.
Gary Harris and family attend an event at the Alumni House.
Azaleas framed the popular porch swing at the Alumni House during the spring.