Could a portrait’s fall reveal a haunting? That’s the question some ask about Keller Building. It stands at 2565 McCarthy Mall. This is Honolulu, Hawaii. Welcome to Keller Building. It’s more than just a building. It’s a piece of the University of Hawaii’s history.
Keller Building is named for Arthur Ripont Keller. He was an early faculty member. This was at the newly formed College of Hawaii.
Arthur Ripont Keller’s story is quite interesting. He had a law degree. It was from the National University Law School. He also had a Master of Science from MIT. Keller was involved in campus life. He even played football. This was when the team was short on players.
Keller’s service didn’t stop at the campus. He served in World War I. When he returned, the college had become a university. It was split into two: Applied Science and Arts and Sciences. Keller became the first dean of Applied Science. He taught many courses. Sometimes he taught ten in a year. He was Acting University President from 1941 to 1942. Keller retired in 1947.
Arthur Ripont Keller was also a civil engineer. He worked both at the university and in the community. One of his early projects involved flood control for Manoa valley.
Now, here’s where the story gets interesting. In 2004, a disastrous flood hit the campus. After that flood, Keller’s portrait fell. It had been hanging in Keller Hall for 44 years. Some people think this means Keller’s spirit haunts the building that bears his name.
Keller Building today is home to the Mathematics Department and the Computer Science Department. It was designed by Clifford F. Young.
So, as you stand here in front of Keller Building, think about Arthur Ripont Keller. Consider his dedication to the University of Hawaii. Wonder about the possibility of a lingering spirit. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Keller Building holds a special place in the university’s history. It is a reminder of a man who gave much to this institution.