Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni & Visitors Center
Built in 2007
The Alumni House: Where We Began (1962)
In the early 1960s, with nearly 80,000 alumni spread across the globe, BYU recognized the growing need for a dedicated space where past students could reconnect, reminisce, and return. That vision came to life on May 25, 1962, with the dedication of the original Alumni House, a 14,000-square-foot building located at the western entrance of campus.
More than just a building, the Alumni House became a symbol of welcome and belonging. It housed the Alumni Association’s business offices and served as a reception center for returning graduates and visiting guests alike.
In an unexpected chapter of its history, the Alumni House also played a pivotal role in launching a now-familiar institution. It hosted the inaugural Missionary Language Institute (later known as the MTC), offering classroom and office space for missionary training until June 1963. For a brief but meaningful moment, it served not only alumni but also those preparing to serve around the world.
After 44 years of service, the original Alumni House was demolished in 2006 to make way for something even greater: the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center.
But the memory of the original Alumni House remains. It was the first place where BYU said to its alumni: Welcome back. You still belong here.
Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center: Where We Are Now
This building was dedicated on June 23, 2007, in honor of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ 15th president, Gordon B. Hinckley. The 35-million-dollar project was funded entirely by donations of over 70,000 individuals including 49,000 alumni and 8,000 students.
On Monday, June 18, 2007, the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center was still a construction zone, unfinished floors, missing lighting, bare landscaping, and tools everywhere. Yet in just five days, the building was scheduled to host a live dedication with the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After nearly a year of work, the final 120 hours became a blur of round-the-clock activity. Contractors, BYU staff, and volunteers worked side by side—laying tile at night, rolling out sod as furniture arrived, and even placing delicate Persian rugs just after the floors were mopped.
“It can’t be a miracle unless it’s impossible,” said BYU’s project coordinator, Craig Lybbert. And somehow, the impossible happened.
On June 23, President Hinckley’s 97th birthday, the building opened, completed to the last detail. The dedication went forward, right on time. Not one door was left unhung.
The 80,000 square foot building houses departments such as the Alumni Associations and University Relations. It is also home to BYU’s Visitors Center and the recently updated model of BYU’s entire campus, including BYU’s Aspen Grove, and the Provo Temple