University Housing and Dining is closing Love Memorial Hall as a student housing facility in May 2025.
After extensive analysis and discussions, the decision to close Love Memorial Hall was made due to ongoing maintenance challenges and a decline in student demand for cooperative housing. Future use of the building is to be determined.
"For more than 80 years, Love Memorial Hall has been a cherished residence, fostering a strong sense of community among residents," said Matt Nelson, director of residence life. "However, the infrastructure of the building presents significant challenges to maintaining it as a safe, viable option for students. In addition, we've seen a shift in student preferences toward more modern living accommodations, and interest in cooperative-style housing has decreased."
Love Memorial Hall is the longest-serving residence hall at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Built in 1940 with a gift from Donald L. Love in memory of his wife, the hall originally served students studying home economics. It eventually opened to all female and non-binary students, regardless of major. In the decades since, it has provided students with a close-knit, community-focused living experience, marked by a unique cooperative lifestyle.
Unlike the university’s other residence halls, Love Memorial operates as a cooperative, where residents are responsible for cooking meals and maintaining the building themselves. This cooperative model encouraged a strong sense of community and made living in Love Memorial more affordable than other campus housing options.
"Living in Love Memorial Hall has always been about more than just a place to stay," Nelson said. "The residents have built a family-like atmosphere, learning valuable life skills while forming strong bonds through shared responsibilities. It's truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and that's why so many alumnae look back at their time there with such fond memories."
The alumnae community of Love Memorial Hall is notable for its dedication and passion for the hall. Over the years, Love Memorial alumnae have maintained a strong network, united by the traditions and experiences they shared during their time living in the hall.
"The alumnae group is incredibly strong," Nelson said. "Many of them are deeply invested in the hall's history. Their stories and memories are what make Love Memorial Hall such a beloved part of our university’s history."
To honor the history and tradition of Love Memorial Hall, University Housing and Dining is launching the Love for Love campaign, an opportunity for alumnae, current residents and UNL faculty and staff to share memories of the hall. These stories and photos will be featured on social media throughout the 2024-25 academic year, and a tribute event will be held in spring 2025 to commemorate the hall before it closes.
"We want to give the Love Memorial community a chance to celebrate this special place and say goodbye in a meaningful way," Nelson said. "We're inviting everyone who lived in the hall to share their memories and be part of the tribute event next spring. It's important that we honor the rich history of Love Memorial and the impact it has had on so many lives."
To participate in the Love for Love campaign, alumnae, current residents, faculty and staff can submit favorite photos and stories of Love Memorial Hall. Contributions will be showcased throughout the year and at the spring 2025 tribute event.
To share memories, visit go.unl.edu/LMH2024, send photos and stories via email to housing@unl.edu, or send mail to: University Housing, Attn: Love for Love Campaign, 530 N. 17th St., Lincoln, NE 68588.
The exact date, time and location of the tribute event will be announced.
