Hoover

Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) came to live with his aunt and uncle, Dr. Henry John and Laura Ellen Minthorn, in Newberg at age 11. Hoover also donated money and books to the college during and after his presidency.

The Hoover Academic Building was constructed and dedicated in 1977 and completely remodeled in 2006, honoring Herbert Hoover’s time here at the College. This building is not to be confused with the original Hoover Hall, which sat near the present location of Centennial Tower and was demolished in 1954.


In 1930, a tablet was dedicated to Herbert Hoover, covered by two American flags. It reads “In honor of Herbert Hoover, humble country boy, earnest student, distinguished engineer, effective administrator, world philanthropist, promoter of peace, eminent statesman, President of the United States. A Tribute of love and esteem from his boyhood school, Pacific College.” Levi Pennington, the president of the college at the time, dedicated it, saying, “The greatest of all those who has served humanity once said to his disciples, ‘He that would be greatest among you, let him be the servant of all.’ It would be hard to name a man in any age of the world’s history who has served humanity in a larger way than has Herbert Hoover.” The tablet was originally placed in Wood-Mar Hal, facing the entrance, however, it was later moved to its present location in the parking lot entrance of Hoover, next to his bust statue.

Herbert Hoover (marked with an X) with the first class of Friends Pacific Academy