Walker Tower was constructed in 1966 during the final phase of
President George Lynn Cross' plans to expand university housing to
accommodate the enormous growth OU's student body had experiences
during his tenure. Initially a part of Couch Center, the residential
tower had been given the name Couch North. However, the Board of
Regents officially changed the name of the building to Walker Tower in
1970 to honor Edward A. Walker, a prominent banker and Oklahoma City
resident.
Edward A. Walker was born on March 8, 1871, in
Johnson County, Illinois. He pursued a liberal arts education at
various schools and colleges, and ultimately studied law at the
University of Texas. In 1896, Walker was quickly admitted to the bar
of Oklahoma Territory and established a legal practice in Ardmore,
Oklahoma. After nearly nineteen years of serving society's
disadvantaged, he became a bank executive. Walker served as president
of three banks; Tradesmen's National in Oklahoma City, Love County
National in Marietta and First National of Ardmore. In addition, Mr.
Walker became involved in the petroleum industry and real
estate.investment. According to the 1931 edition of "Who's Who in
Oklahoma, " his real estate holdings across the state exceeded those of
any other individual. In 1938, Walker was inducted into the Oklahoma
Hall of Fame in recognition for his years of success and service to his
community.
Edward A. Walker died on May 31, 1951. Following his death, his widow,
Mrs. Mary Walker, continued the couple's devotion to education,
including the University of Oklahoma and to charity. Mrs. Walker died
in 1965. Her will designated that property and money be given to the
University of Oklahoma as a memorial to her husband, the late Edward A.
Walker, attorney, banker, oilman, and philanthropist.
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