Klages is named after Esther Klages, who was an alumna of George Fox College. After graduating from school, Esther worked in church mission programs in Southern California during the 1930s. After the passing of her husband Henry, Esther moved back to Newberg in 1984 to retire at Friends view. While at Friends view Esther befriended students, cheered on the basketball teams, and even helped out with odd jobs and projects around the college; even lending a hand to stuff mailing envelopes. David Brandt once described Klages, as “ intensely interested in the things of God. That’s why George Fox was her place – because of our Christ-centered mission. Her purpose in life was to be a Godly person.”
Because of her interest in the college and generosity Klages donated nearly $2 million to the university over the years. In 1990, she gave $126,000 to help fund the construction of the centennial tower in the middle of the quad. Her donations also made the period light poles with flowering baskets around campus possible. Due to her generosity, Esther was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1991. Klages initially turned refused, stating that she did not deserve it; however, she eventually accepted the honor. Esther was so involved in the university that for her 100th birthday in 2004, the whole university celebrated with her by inviting her to chapel and gathering over 1,000 students to sing Happy Birthday to her. Esther Klages passed away in 2005, but her legacy continues in the Klages building and the Klages plaza located in front of the Stevens building.
The Klages Center was constructed in many phases, originally built in 1958, complete with a fish pond outside donated by the class of 1956. The building was used primarily as a student hangout spot, complete with a Hi-Fi record set and a TV. However, there were strict rules and regulations for the use and operation of the building. The students were responsible for maintaining and cleaning the building entirely themselves, and certain classes were given specific duties within the building.
The Headock Commons, the building’s first dining room, was added to the building in 1964, and at this point, the fish pond was incorporated into the building as it was enlarged. The building also went through renovations and expansions in 1979 and 1994. In 2013, The Bruin Den area of the Commons underwent a renovation that included the removal of the fish pond and the opening of a new cafe called Bruin Bites. These changes were made to create more dining space and to give students quicker food options. The Fox Hole student area downstairs in the Commons was also remodeled at this time.
The building underwent massive changes in the summer of 2016 as well. The previous dining room, nicknamed “The Bone” after the food service company that ran it (Bon Appetit) has been converted to house the Center for Engineering Design and Innovation. This space now houses a machine and woodworking shop, manufacturing and prototyping labs, and a design room.
Today, the Klages Center houses the Center for Engineering Design and Innovation, the Bruin Den, the Makers Market, the Fox Hole student hangout area, and the university’s Bruin Store for textbooks and GFU merchandise.