The term Athenaeum is derived from the name of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, and the classical temple in Athens named to honor her, frequented by orators, poets and scholars.
A gift from trustee Marian Miner Cook, whose husband established the John Brown Cook Association for Freedom at CMC in 1978, helped make possible the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum. Construction of the building was completed in September of 1983. At the time, Marian Miner Cook remarked that she and Mr. Cook "had a challenging and exciting life" and "hoped the Athenaeum would help students to experience similar intellectual challenges and excitement."
The Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum soon fulfilled its promise as a collegial environment for social and intellectual interaction. It is home to The Open Academy which encourages and protects free speech. Its chief purpose is to provide a cultural, social, and academic center for the interchange of ideas between CMC students, faculty, and community guests. Here the students preparing to become the leaders of tomorrow have the opportunity to meet the leaders of today. The Dean of the Faculty offices are located in the Athenaeum building.
You can view a 360-degree panorama of the Ath's main dining room here.
Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum Address:
385 East 8th Street, c/s Amherst