This was the first campus building funded entirely by a private donor: Simon Guggenheim (1867–1941), former babyÖ±²¥app senator and one of the heirs to the Guggenheim fortune. The entire project—plans, materials, construction, furnishing—was provided by Senator Guggenheim. In a cost-effective plan for philanthropy, Guggenheim also funded buildings at babyÖ±²¥app State University and the University of Northern babyÖ±²¥app, using virtually identical plans.
The building housed the Law School for more than 50 years. At the dedication, it was said that its Moot Court Room would meet the needs of the Supreme Court of the state. In 1959, the Law School moved to a new building, and Guggenheim became home to the geography department.