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Tours

  1. Admission Visitors Tour

    Here is a self-guided version of our Admission tour.

    Stops

    1. Admission Visitor Parking - Old Centre

      Admission visitors are welcome to park in the Old Centre parking area.

    2. Old Centre

      Built: 1820

      Renovated: 1991

      Address: 625 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

       

      • Admission Welcome Center

      • President's Office

      • Academic Affairs

      • Dean's Office

      • VP College Relations

      • Parent's Program

      • Isaac Shelby Room

      • Pottinger Room

       

       

      Old Centre is a Kentucky landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places and included in the Smithsonian Guide to Historic Places. It is Kentucky’s oldest continuously operating academic building.

       

      Throughout it's history it has been used for classrooms, as a student dormitory, a library, a law school, a cafeteria, and a grade school. During the Civil War it was used as a hospital first by Confederate troops and then by Union soldiers after the Battle of Perryville. 

       

      The Centre Seal (1991), Doctrina Lux Mentis (latin) meaning learning is the light of the mind is located in the brick pavement leading to the front door of Old Centre.

       

      ADA Accessible: Entrance, restrooms, elevator.

       

       

       

    3. Centre Seal

      The Centre Seal (1991), Doctrina Lux Mentis (latin) meaning learning is the light of the mind. In 1990 under President Michael F. Adams (1988-1997) a Save Old Centre drive was launched and renovation began. On October 11, 1991 Old Centre was rededicated. A legend has sprung up about the circular brass College seal embedded in the brick walkway in front of Old Centre. The belief is that if two students kiss on the seal at midnight, they’ll end up marrying after graduation. This piece of folklore hasn’t been scientifically tested, but the proliferation of double alum weddings reported in the alumni magazine would lend support to the notion.

       

    4. Brockman Commons

      Built: 2012

      Named for A. Eugene Brockman

      Address: 141 South Beatty Avenue, Danville, Ky. 40422


      CLICK HERE FOR FLOOR PLANS & MORE
       

      A $15-million project funded by the A. Eugene Brockman Charitable Trust, features apartment-style housing for 124 upper-class students. Features an outdoor grill area dedicated and named The Matthew Shuey Memorial Pavilion (homecoming 2016).

      Given Centre’s commitment to sustainable building practices, every effort was made to meet LEED qualification. Centre is the only college in Kentucky to have four LEED-certified buildings (Brockman, Pearl, Campus Center, and Young Hall), including two at the Gold level.

       

       

      ADA Accessible: Entrance, restrooms.

       

    5. Greek Park

      Alpha Delta Pi

      Address: 846 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

       

      ADA Accessible: entrance, restrooms.

      Beta Theta Pi (Breeze House)

      Built: 1900

      Address: 849 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

      Home to Beta Theta Pi fraternity the Breeze House is named for William H. Breeze ’45, interim president of Centre (1988-89) and member of the Centre Board of Trustees (1980-present). After a career as an insurance executive, Mr. Breeze came to Centre in 1987 to serve as vice president and general secretary. He currently serves as Centre’s special assistant to the president for endowment and as a trustee emeritus.

       

      Delta Delta Delta House

      Address: 845 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

      Delta Kappa Epsilon

      Address: 850 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

      Kappa Alpha Theta House

      Address: 841 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

      Kappa Kappa Gamma House

      Address: 843 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

      Phi Delta Theta House

      Address: 842 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

      Phi Kappa Tau House

      Address: 848 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

      Sigma Alpha Epsilon House

      Address: 840 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

      Sigma Chi House

      Address: 844 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

       

       

       

    6. Olin Hall (Expansion Fall 2020)

      We are excited to be moving forward with the renovation and expansion project at Olin Hall, originally constructed in 1988. Though the final design has not yet been determined, the project will address critical HVAC needs throughout the building, update the rear entry, and add at least three classrooms and six offices to the current footprint. Expansion will take place on the front of the building and allow for the façade to be updated and brought in line with existing campus architecture. 

       

      The design phase will take approximately nine months, followed by 12 months of construction, with an anticipated opening in fall 2020.



      Built: 1988

      Named for F.W. Olin Foundation

      Address: 630 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

       

      • Faculty Offices

      • Science Center

       

      In 1986 the F.W. Olin Foundation of New York City, N.Y., awarded Centre a $3.5 million grant, the first by the foundation to a Kentucky college or university, to construct a physical science building on campus. Since then the College has continued to improve on the facility and include state-of-the-art scientific equipment and instrumentation, and provide space for long-term student/faculty research projects.

      The foyer displays a two-story Foucault pendulum, which demonstrates the rotation of the earth beneath the plane of the pendulum’s swing. 

       

      ADA Accessible: Entrance, restrooms, elevator.

       

      Sustainability at Centre

       

    7. Do Your Best. Be Your Best. No Regrets. Outdoor Classroom

      Located adjacent to the Donald D. Buchanan Outdoor Classroom is this outdoor classroom which displays the Centre motto Do Your Best. Be Your Best. No Regrets.  

       

      Outdoor classes are a wonderful part of what we do at Centre. This space enhances the Centre experience. 

    8. Donald D. Buchanan Outdoor Classroom

      Built: 2013

      Located between Young and Nevin Halls, nestled under the trees that keep it in shade most of the day. The classroom is a fitting tribute to a beloved Centre alumnus.

       

      A native of Pleasureville, Ky., Buchanan ’83 was an outstanding student, motivated athlete and leader in fraternity life. He received many academic, athletic and leadership awards during his tenure at the College.

       

      When Buchanan passed away in 2011, a group of his closest Centre friends approached the College about establishing a memorial scholarship fund. The group of friends put together a committee. From there the project took on a life of its own. The response was overwhelming. 

       

      Aside from the teaching needs it fulfills for Centre, the classroom is an ideal way to memorialize Buchanan’s life and achievements.

       

      Don lived in Nevin Hall as a first-year student and was also a member of the Beta [Theta Pi] fraternity, which was housed in Cooper House at the time. The front doors of both of these buildings look out directly into the exact space where the memorial classroom is located — a space Don would have walked through daily during his time here.

       

      Everyone wanted a memorial that reflected what an outstanding student Don was. The idea that his memorial would be a functioning classroom space was very important.

       

      Aside from commemorating the life and spirit of Buchanan, the outdoor classroom is a wonderful addition to Centre’s already beautiful campus. The classroom’s lighting and raised seating make it particularly versatile, allowing for year-round outdoor learning, studying and meeting.

    9. Young Hall

      Built: 1970
      Renovated: 2010
      Named for John C. Young and his son, William C. Young (Class of 1859), both former presidents of Centre.
      Address: 620 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

       

      • Faculty offices

      • Classrooms

      • Laboratories for the division of science and mathematics

      • Lecture hall

      • Computer center

      • Greenhouse

       

      Young Hall is a state-of-the-art science center and includes space for faculty-student collaborative research.

       

      Greeting students and faculty members as they enter Young Hall is a mosasaur, cast from the actual fossil of the dinosaur-like creature. 

       

      Regeneration (2013). An historic Beech tree taken down in 2012 that once stood outside Young Hall has been given new life as “Regeneration,” a beautiful, six-foot-tall sculpture created by local artist Russ Barragan. 

       

      The beech tree had likely been on campus since Centre was founded in 1819, and had come to be known by some as “The Lady.” Many students grew accustomed to walking past the tree every day, going to and from classes and residential halls. Some even left their mark on its bark, carving in their initials and even some professions of love.

       

      ADA Accessible: Entrance, restrooms, elevator.

       

       

       

       

    10. The Flame

      The Flame (1969), is an 11-foot, 2,000-pound bronze sculpture by Belgian artist John Somville and alumna Dottie Smith, Centre Class of 1969, symbolizes the lamp of knowledge on Centre’s seal. Smith donated The Flame in honor of Centre’s 150th anniversary and in memory of her father. “Running The Flame” is a popular (late-night) campus tradition.

       

      Centre’s first large scale sculpture, the 2,000 pound, eleven-foot high bronze monument was dedicated in 1969 in celebration of the college’s Sesquecentennial Year, and is a symbolic representation of the torch of knowledge which appears on Centre’s official seal. The artist originally constructed a full-scale plaster model, which was then shipped to Clarkston, Michigan, and cast at the Fine Arts Sculpture Foundry. The project was financially supported by Dorothy Jane Smith ’69 in memory of her late father Ray Smith. John Somville, a native of Brussels, Belgium, studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Geneva, Switzerland, and was an art instructor at Centre. He was assisted in the project by Ms. Smith and John VanArsdale, both art majors.

       

    11. Centre Lincoln

      Centre’s Lincoln statue was unveiled in front of Crounse Hall after the 2012 opening convocation. The piece was created by Louisville artist Ed Hamilton, who is world-renowned for his public art.

    12. Vahlkamp Theatre

      Located on the basement level of Crounse Hall, the Vahlkamp Theatre boasts 170 seats and plays host to guest lecturers, class film viewings, and even mainstream movies.

       

      The theatre was named after Professor Emeritus of French Charles G. Vahlkamp.

    13. Crounse Hall (Grace Doherty Library)

      Built: 1967

      Renovated: 2005
      Named for Mr. and Mrs. George P. Crounse of Paducah, Ky.
      Address: 610 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

       

      • Faculty Offices

      • Classrooms

      • Library

      • Center for Teaching and Learning

       

      The Grace Doherty Library, named for Grace Doherty of Catlettsburg, Ky., includes classrooms, faculty offices, College archives, including records, oral history interviews, photographs, historical papers, and other materials from Centre’s history.

       

      The lobby features works of art by students, professionals, and world renowned artists including glass artist Lino Tagliapietra.

       

      Outside visitors are greeted by Centre's Lincoln statue. The statue was dedicated in 2012 and was created by Louisville artist Ed Hamilton.

       

      Students have access to library computers at all operating hours to check e-mail, work on projects, write a paper, or just wind down before the next class.

       

      Located on the basement level, the Vahlkamp Theatre boasts 170 seats and plays host to guest lecturers, class film viewings, and mainstream movies.

       

      Crounse is also home to The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). CTL offers a variety of instructional support, academic technology services, workshops, and assistance with equipment and reservations to any member of the Centre community. CTL also manages and provides support for campus-wide systems such as Moodle, Centre radio, Channel 12 programming, Webconferencing virtual room, VBrick Video on Demand and Live Broadcast system, and the Channel 12 Messaging System.

       

      ADA Accessible: Entrance, restrooms, elevator.

       

       

       

    14. Buck Fitness Center

      The Buck Fitness Center is a fully equipped fitness facility offering free weight, plate-loaded and machine lifting opportunities, as well as a variety of aerobic machines. In the summer of 2014, the fitness center went through a renovation, including the addition of 14-state-of-the-art training platforms. Instructors are on staff to guide you through custom strength and fitness programs. The cardiovascular excercise deck is positioned across from 12 TVs.

    15. Sutcliffe Hall

      Built: 1915
      Renovated: 1962 and 2005

      Named for: Sutcliffe Hall was originally named the Boyle-Humphrey Alumni Gymnasium, honoring two donors from the Class of 1866. Renamed in 1962 to honor then-board chair Elbert Gary Sutcliffe, Class of 1917, and his wife, Edith McClure Sutcliffe, Class of 1912
      Address: 610 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

       

      Sutcliffe Hall is the hub of athletics and fitness at Centre and provides students with an outstanding setting for their social and physical growth and wellness. 

       

      Parsons Student Health Center is located on the ground floor of Sutcliffe. Parson’s staff and counselors provide a complete approach to wellness including physical and mental health issues. A registered nurse and physician’s assistant are available during regular hours. Physician Clinics are offered four days each week.

      Sutcliffe contains three gymnasiums, four racquetball courts, 

       

      The Buck Fitness Center (an athletic training room), an aerobics studio, seven locker rooms, and offices for the entire coaching and athletic staff. The Hall of Fame foyer features Centre sports memorabilia chronicling well over a century of high achievements in Centre College athletics.

      There are two regulation racquetball courts with hardwood flooring and a viewing balcony. These courts are ideal for activity classes and recreational use. Two other regulation courts are available for volleyball and recreational play.

       

      The Alumni Gymnasium is the home of both the men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. The facility features hardwood flooring and six regulation basketball goals and is restricted to use by varsity teams only. On December 3, 2004 the gym floor was dedicated to Tom Bryant, honoring the former Centre men’s basketball coach and athletic director.

       

      Bowman Gymnasium is used as a secondary court for Colonel volleyball tournaments and also provides additional practice space for the intercollegiate basketball, baseball and softball teams. The facility features hardwood flooring and six regulation basketball goals, as well as a drop down batting cage used for both baseball and softball practices. The gym is available for recreation when the intercollegiate teams do not have it reserved.

       

      The 15,000-square-foot Hazelrigg Gymnasium serves as the location for the intramural basketball and intramural volleyball seasons. The facility features an all-purpose synthetic flooring containing three basketball courts, three volleyball courts, two badminton courts, and two tennis courts that are available with restricted hours. The gym also features two divider curtains to allow various recreation simultaneously. A three-lane walking/running track (12 laps equal one mile) wraps around the recreational gym.

      The Hall of Fame Café is located on the second floor of Sutcliffe and is a favorite hangout for students, faculty, and staff between classes and during half time between athletic contests. The cafe features Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe!

       

      ADA Accessible: Entrance, restrooms, elevator.

       

    16. Hall of Fame Cafe/Sandella's

      The Hall of Fame Café is located on the second floor of Sutcliffe Hall and is a favorite hangout for students, faculty, and staff. The cafe features Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe!

    17. Old Carnegie

      Built: 1913
      Renovated: 1993
      Named for Andrew Carnegie.
      Address: 600 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

       

      • The Center for Career & Professional Development

      • The Center for Global Leadership

      • Evans-Lively Room

       

      Built as the College library (the industrialist Andrew Carnegie provided $30,000 toward its construction), Carnegie served that purpose until the construction of Doherty Library in 1967. Old Carnegie is listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places.

       

      ADA Accessible: Entrance, restrooms, elevator.

       

    18. Boles Natatorium (Johnson Pool)

      Built: 1968

      Renovated in 2004

      Named after: Mr. and Mrs. Ewing T. Boles, Class of 1916

      Johnson Pool named after: Craig W. Johnson, Class of 1975

      Address: 310 South College Street, Danville, KY 40422

       

      Boles Natatorium is used by the Centre men's and women's swimming and diving teams. Featuring a seventy-five foot long pool with six lanes and two diving boards, the Natatorium is open to students, staff, and fitness center members for free swimming, lap swimming and diving.

       

      Hours:
      Monday-Friday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
      Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

       

      For more information on Boles Natatorium, contact Dean Brownley at 859.238.5540.

       

      ADA Accessible: Entrance, restrooms.

       

    19. Norton Center for the Arts

      • Newlin Hall

      • Weisiger Theatre

       • Grant Hall 
      • Ex Astris (sculpture)
      • The Haven Gillespie Fountain and Plaza

       

      Built: 1973
      Renovated: 1994 and 2010
      Named for Jane Morton Norton, former Centre trustee and patron of the arts.
      Address: 300 South College Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

      Website

       

      The Norton Center for the Arts is an internationally recognized performing arts center with state of the art facilities. The 85,000 square-foot complex was designed by architect William Wesley Peters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. The Center hosts a world-class performing arts series and serves as a focal point for the College’s academic programs in dramatic arts and music. The Center’s two theaters have drawn consistent praise from performers and audiences alike.

       

      Centre College is often the place where important debates and political forums occur. In 2000 and 2012, the College was the home of the vice-presidental debate. The Grand Foyer serves as an exhibition space for the College.

       

      Newlin Hall, a 1,500-seat concert hall, is known to have one of the finest acoustical designs in the country. Seating: orchestra 250; grand tier 1,180.

       

      Grant Hall is home to classrooms, studios, and faculty offices for the departments of dramatic arts and music. Grant includes recital halls, playing rooms, well-lit hardwood acting studios, and a versatile black box theatre for student productions.

       

      The versatile Weisiger Theatre, a 360-seat theater in the round, accommodates a wide variety of performances.

       

      Ex Astris (1978). The 14-foot, brass-plated sculpture by Louisville artist Tom Lear is located at the main entrance to the Newlin Hall foyer of the Norton Center for the Arts. Installed in 1978, the work was provided by an anonymous gift to Centre for its execution. The name means “from the stars.”

       

      The Haven Gillespie Fountain and Plaza (1973, renovated in 1994 and 2010) was a gift made possible by Audrey R. Gillespie in memory of James Haven Gillespie 1888-1975 and his son Haven Lamont Gillespie 1910-1990.

       

      ADA Accessible: Entrance, restrooms, elevator.

       

      Take a tour of the Norton Center's Grand Foyer and Newlin Hall:

       

    20. Ex Astris

      Ex Astris (1978). The 14-foot, brass-plated sculpture by Louisville artist Tom Lear is located at the main entrance to the Newlin Hall foyer of the Norton Center for the Arts. Installed in 1978, the work was provided by an anonymous gift to Centre for its execution. The name means “from the stars.”

    21. The Haven Gillespie Fountain and Plaza

      The Haven Gillespie Fountain and Plaza (1973, renovated in 1994 and 2010) was a gift made possible by Audrey R. Gillespie in memory of James Haven Gillespie 1888-1975 and his son Haven Lamont Gillespie 1910-1990. Located at Norton Center for the Arts.

    22. Campus Center

      Built: 2009

      Address: 601 West Walnut Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

       

      • Cowan Dining Commons

      • Everyday Cafe

      • Student Life Office

      • Ewen Meeting Room

       

      Comfortable gathering and socializing spaces, informal seating, fireplaces, a gaming area, pool tables and Wii game systems make this a perfect place to be for students, faculty, and staff.

       

      The Ewen Meeting Room is located on the second floor.

       

      Dining within the Campus Center:

      Cowan Dining Commons. Cowan is located on the first floor of the Campus Center and offers unlimited seconds with all you care to eat and drink at every meal, and a salad bar available at lunch and dinner every day.

       

      The Everyday Café. Located on the first floor of the Campus Center is the Everyday Café offering menu options such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, and desserts.

       

      ADA Accessible: Entrance, restrooms, elevator.

       

    23. Cowan Dining Commons and Everyday Cafe

      Cowan Dining Hall is located in the Campus Center and offers an all you can eat and drink menu for every meal. There are a variety of choices including a salad bar, fruit, cereal, deserts, pizza, and a variety of coffees and other drinks. Chef prepared special meals and food bars are offered daily and change from week-to-week. Click here for menu, hours, and more information.

       

       

      The Everyday Cafe is located near the entrance in the Campus Center. The menu offers sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, chicken, nachos, salads, treats and desserts, as well as Starbucks coffee. Click here for menu and hours.

    24. Yerkes House

      Address: 603 West Main Street, Danville, Ky. 40422


      Named for the Yerkes family, (Rev. Dr. Stephen Yerkes; his son, John W. Yerkes, Class of 1873, and his granddaughter, Amelia Yerkes, Class of 1901, all past members of the Centre board of trustees). Housing primarily for first-year women. This building was originally built (along with Cheek House, Acheson House, Caldwell House, and Evans House) to house female students when the campuses of Centre and the Women’s Department (located on the old Kentucky College for Women campus) merged in 1962.

      ADA Accessible: Entrance, restrooms.

       

    25. Pearl Hall

      Built: 2008
      Address: 525 West Main Street, Danville, Ky. 40422

       

      Pearl Hall, a 146-bed residence hall, made possible by a gift from Centre trustee Robert Brockman ’63. Pearl Hall was named in memory of Brockman’s mother and grandmother, both of whom were named Pearl.

      Pearl Hall has been certified LEED GOLD for its environmentally friendly design and construction. This is Kentucky’s first LEED GOLD award and the highest LEED rating for any residential facility in the state.

      ADA Accessible: Entrance, restrooms, elevator.

       

    26. Horky House

      Built: 1842-50
      Renovated: 1992
      Named for Lorette and John H. Horky, Class of 1932

      Llsted in the National Register of Historic Places

      Address: 101 North Maple Avenue, Danville, Ky. 40422

       

      • Admission Office

      • Student Financial Planning (Financial Aid) 

       

      Admission counselors and financial aid personnel offices are located in the Horky House. There is ample parking in the rear of the building for visitors.

       

      Horky House was a private residence until Centre acquired it for admissions. It was built by Robert Russel Jr., the local master builder who also built Old Centre, the first building of the College. It was locally known as the Russel-Thomas House, for Russel and Jo Thomas, a transportation magnate, who lived in the house from 1859-88. 

       

      ADA Accessible: Back door entrance, restrooms.