Shoemaker Hall Marks 100 Years at St. Cloud State University [VIDEO]

ST. CLOUD - A St. Cloud State building is celebrating a big birthday this year.

For the past 100 years, Shoemaker Hall has been home for students at the University. Dan Pedersen, director of residential life, says current and former students and employees will gather together to celebrate the birthday on Saturday.

"It's going to be great welcoming back former Huskies. Not only alumni of the institution, but also those who worked in our department. They can come back and see the building they lived and participated in."

Since 2011, Shoemaker has undergone about $23 million in upgrades. Pedersen says the interior was extensively renovated, while keeping its exterior historical charm.

"We wanted to keep the integrity and unique features while bringing in more energy efficient green systems and more flexible furnishings, technology and electrical outlets for students."

Being an old building on campus, Shoemaker has always been rumored to be haunted by ghosts. Pedersen is skeptical, but has heard many stories about the building.

"There are varied stories about a student murder and a ghost that haunts the building. There's rumors that we're on an ancient burial ground here. So there's a variety of stories that get intertwined over the years."

Shoemaker Hall is named for Waite Shoemaker, who was president of the State Normal School at St. Cloud from 1902-1915.

The 100th anniversary celebration is Saturday morning at 11:30 a.m. in a tent adjacent to the north wing. Tours of the entire complex will leave every 15 minutes. Light refreshments will be served.