President's House

Shirley and Don Beggs are present-day residents of the WSU President's Home, located at 1820 N. Hillside. The house, built for $21,000 during the Depression, was partially funded by the federal Public Works Administration and $12,000 from university funds. President William M. Jardine moved into the home in 1939. Wichita architect C.F. Boucher designed the house in Georgian Revival style.

The 7,034 square foot house has undergone many renovations through the years. The first floor contains a formal dining room, which was remodeled from the living room in 2001. It is connected by a family room, which was added in 1959. A newly created sitting room replaces the former dining room, and the upscale kitchen was remodeled in 1993. An office occupied by Shirley Beggs is also on the first floor, and a solarium was added in 1999. The second floor houses the master bedroom, which is adjoined by a sunroom that was once a porch. It was enclosed in the 1980's, and now serves as a home office for Dr. Beggs where he works on a desk donated by a 1921 alum. Four guest bedrooms also dot the second floor.

The house is tastefully decorated with a combination of university and Beggs' furnishings, with paintings on loan from the Ulrich Museum now hanging throughout the house.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped by staff from the WSU Physical Plant. During their years at the home, the Begges have entertained large groups of students, alumni, and community, state and university guests in both the house and in the garden setting. Décor at the home during the holiday season includes many personal items from the Beggs' collection of Christopher Radko, Daddy's Long Legs Santas, Steinbach German nutcrackers and many other antique holiday items.