Andrew Carnegie, industrialist and philanthropist, made much of his fortune in the American steel industry. It was Carnegie’s lifelong belief that great men had an obligation to give back to their communities. The man who loved to read gave away the vast majority of his fortune before his death. He concentrated his giving on education, offering a way for people to help themselves through learning.

In addition to supporting institutions of higher education, Carnegie set out to build more than 2,500 free libraries, including Carnegie Hall on what is now Grove City College’s lower campus. Over the past 100 years, the building has taken the appearance of a music hall, gymnasium and location for ROTC functions. Today, Carnegie Hall, now the Carnegie Alumni Center, houses the College’s alumni relations, communications and marketing and development offices.