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Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Jordan Hollimon, Contributing Photographer The Administration building now boasts a new sign and a new name: the Sol Mayer Administration Building. The sign was unveiled by Mayer's great-great grandson, Sol, at a rededication ceremony Thursday. Three generations of Mayers were present on this memorable day.

Media Credit: Jordan Hollimon, Contributing Photographer Sol Mayer's great-great grandson pauses momentarily by the honoree's portrait.

One of ASU's household names is honored once again.

On Thursday, Sol Mayer's name was rededicated on the ASU campus. The Administration Building is officially the Mayer Administration Building. The second oldest building on campus now bears the name of a man who played an integral role in the college's early years.

Mayer's name was most recently seen on the now demolished dormitory Mayer Hall. The tearing down of the residence hall, as well as the renaming of the Administration Building, is a part of the university's Centennial Master Plan.

A small group of friends and family gathered in front of the historic building for the unveiling. The crowd was made up of three generations of Mayer's.

"We got the Board of Regents' approval at the last meeting," President Joseph C. Rallo said, "This was the first time we could get all of the family together."

The new sign that reads Sol Mayer Administration Building was unveiled by Mayer's great-great grandson, Sol, to great applause. The Mayer name has been synonymous with the school for over half a century.

"Rededicating a building to the Mayer name is a great way to honor a family that has been so great to the university," graduate student Ben Eubanks said.

Sol Mayer was a major reason why the then San Angelo College campus moved from its North Oakes Street location to the current location in 1947.

The original bond set to fund the campus's relocation did not satisfy San Angelo residents and Mayer helped to raise extra funds for the college by serving as chair of the SAC Building and Development campaign. The bond aided in the construction of the building which held the first classes at the Avenue N location on Sep. 17, 1947.

"Sol was a man who believed in hard work," descendant Doris Mayer Rousselot said after the unveiling of the sign. "He would have been thrilled to see the growth and statewide recognition of the school."

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