In the 1970s, BYU underwent many changes, specifically to the skyline and landscape.

In 1961, the 11,000th student had enrolled at BYU, by the time the 70s rolled around, there were 25,000 students on campus.

Just as the student body increased in numbers, so did the number of buildings and sculptures that made up BYU campus.

The first building completed that decade was the John A. Widstoe Building and campus would see seven more in the following years.

Thanks to a generous donation, the J. Willard Marriott Activities Center was finished in 1972. It is ten stories from floor to roof and seats 23,000.

Other buildings built were the James E. Talmage Mathematical Sciences and Computer Building (begun in 1970), the W. W. Clyde Engineering Sciences and Technology Building (completed in fall 1973) and the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum (completed in 1977).

The J. Reuben Clark Law School also opened in 73, though it wasn’t dedicated until September 1975.

Ground was also broken for two dominant campus buildings — the Harold B. Lee Library and the Spencer W. Kimball Tower.

The Carillon Bell tower was also constructed for BYU’s Centennial celebrations.

But buildings were not the only permanent structures that made came to campus as three different sculptures were also set in place.

On Sept. 18, 1975, two sculptures were donated to BYU: Frank Nackos donated the Tree of Wisdom, located in the Spencer W. Kimball quad, and Francis P. Riggs donated the Windows of Heaven sculptures located west of the W.W. Clyde Building.

Also the bronze cougar was donated as a class gift and has been standing guard at LaVell Edwards Stadium since Sept. 1974.

In May 1975, lower campus, including the old BYU Academy, was sold.



Copyright Brigham Young University 22 Nov 2005