The University of La Verne once housed its athletics department inside a massive tent structure.
In short: In the early 1970s, the University of La Verne pioneered the use of permanent-tensioned membrane structures. Known as The Tents, these fiberglass and Teflon-coated buildings originally housed the athletics, art, and communications departments. Today, these unique structures remain a central feature of the campus, hosting athletics and the university's theatre department.
Founded in 1891 as Lordsburg College by the Church of the Brethren, the institution has navigated a complex history of near-failure and transformation. In its early years, the college struggled significantly, with the Los Angeles Times predicting an early demise in 1901 due to low enrollment and administrative scandals. The school eventually rebranded as La Verne College in 1917, following the town's name change, and reorganized as the University of La Verne in 1977.
The campus architecture reflects this history of adaptation. The original college building, a former hotel that reportedly never hosted a paying guest, was demolished in 1928. In its place, the university developed a diverse campus that includes historic structures like the 1905 Hanawalt House and the 1927 Founders Hall. Perhaps most distinct is the Sports Science and Athletics Pavilion, part of the world's first permanent-tensioned membrane structures completed in the early 1970s. These fabric-based buildings continue to serve the university's athletic and artistic needs.
Beyond its physical evolution, the university has maintained a non-sectarian identity despite its historical ties to the Church of the Brethren. It has expanded its reach through regional campuses and online programs, while also navigating the complexities of professional accreditation. For instance, the College of Law underwent a decade of shifting accreditation status with the American Bar Association before the board of trustees voted in 2019 to transition to California Bar accreditation. Today, the university continues to balance its heritage with modern academic goals, maintaining traditions like the campus rock while serving a diverse student body.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: University of La Verne
- Also: www.laverne.edu — University of La Verne
- Also: www.laverne.edu — Admission at La Verne
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