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Exterior photograph of UM's Lane Hall, April 7, 2023, by Alana Nardone.
A Building of Prominence
A Building of Prominence
by Alana Nardone
Unlike many other buildings on the University of Michigan’s campus, Lane Hall was not named after its donor. Instead, it was named after Victor Hugo Lane, an alumnus turned law professor known for his educational and extracurricular contributions to the Wolverine community (“Lane Hall”).
Victor Hugo Lane became someone who was recognized for his great work throughout his time in Michigan. Originally from Ohio, Lane and his family moved to Michigan in 1866 (“Bio”). He enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1870, receiving a Civil Engineering degree in 1874 and a Bachelor of Law in 1878 (“Victor Hugo Lane”). He continued practicing law until 1888, when he became the judge in Michigan’s First Judicial Circuit Court until 1897. He then became a Fletcher law professor at the university for 31 years, where he spent his time educating students and eventually being granted the role of law librarian (“Bio”). It was during this time that he also edited the seventh edition of Cooley’s Constitutional Limitations (1903) in addition to revising the tenth edition of Tiffany’s Justices’ Guide for Michigan (1905) (“Victor Hugo Lane”).
"Victor Hugo Lane.” Photo courtesy: UM Faculty History project.
Along with his involvement in law, Lane served the community in many other ways. He was the chairman of the Board in Control of Intercollegiate Athletics and President of the University Alumni Association. Additionally, he was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor and President of the Young Men’s Christian Association (“Bio”). Once Michigan allowed for the admission of women into the university, the Y.M.C.A. began accepting women and thus changed their name to the Students’ Christian Association, with Lane continuing to hold the position of President (“A Dangerous Experiment”). It was clear that Lane was nothing but selflessly dedicated to making the community a better place. As Henry M. Bates, Dean of the Law School, says, Lane was “a just man, of invincible probity, of great kindliness, and of instinctively gentle manners” (“An Appreciation”).
On March 2, 1917, Lane Hall was officially completed. At the time, the Students’ Christian Association owned the building, with Lane still being their President (“Lane Hall”). The purpose of this association was to “lead men to an earnest study of the Scriptures…and to the cultivation of Christian fellowship” (“Constitution” 3). With similar goals, Lane Hall was then passed onto the Student Religious Association in 1936. People like Lane helped accomplish the religious vocations of these associations, thus giving value to Lane’s name and the building itself.
Not only does Lane Hall hold religious significance, but it is also explicitly valued by women. In 2000, Lane Hall also became home to the Institute for Research on Women and Gender (IRWG) and the Women’s Studies Program, according to the University Record. Before the opening of Lane Hall, IRWG and the Women’s Studies Program were held in a singular small room (“Lane Hall 'Rich in History'”). It is because of Lane Hall that they were able to expand and increase their collaborations in support of women’s studies.
Not only does Lane, the man, hold great value for our campus and community through time, but the meaning behind his name also does. The name “Victor” is of Roman descent and means “conqueror” in Latin (“Victor”). Popular among many Christians, including writer Victor Hugo and multiple saints and popes, this name is very fitting for a person like Lane. Victor lived his life dedicated to serving his religion and the community as a whole, ultimately exemplifying the characteristics of a Christian. Similarly, the surname “Lane” is from the Irish Ó Luain, meaning "descendant of Luan," which is derived from the word "warrior” (“Lane (3)”). Recalling Lane’s achievements throughout his life, it is evident that he lived up to his name.
Ultimately, Lane Hall is more than just a building. Lane Hall is a place where people feel at home. A place named after a man whose service does not go unrecognized. A place where positive change is made. A building of prominence.
Works Cited
“An Appreciation.” Faculty History Project, University of Michigan, http://faculty-history.dc.umich.edu/faculty/victor-hugo-lane/appreciation.
“A Dangerous Experiment': Women at the University of Michigan.” Michigan in the World,
“Bio.” Faculty History Project, University of Michigan, http://faculty-history.dc.umich.edu/faculty/victor-hugo-lane/bio.
“Constitution of the Students’ Christian Association of the University of Michigan.” The Inland Press,
udents%27+Christian+Association+(University+of+Michigan)%22&printsec=frontcover.
“Lane (3).” BehindTheName.com. https://surnames.behindthename.com/name/lane-3.
“Lane Hall.” Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan, https://bentley.umich.edu/legacy-support/campus_tour/lanehall.php.
“Lane Hall 'Rich in History, Makes a Statement' for Women.” The University Record,
https://record.umich.edu/articles/lane-hall-rich-in-history-makes-a-statement-for-women/.
Nardone, Alana. Exterior photograph of UM's Lane Hall. 7 Apr. 2023. Author's personal collection.
“Victor.” BehindTheName.com. https://www.behindthename.com/name/victor.
“Victor Hugo Lane.” Faculty History Project, 7 Apr. 2023, http://faculty-history.dc.umich.edu/faculty/victor-hugo-lane. Accessed 7 Apr. 2023.
“Victor Hugo Lane.” UM History, http://umhistory.dc.umich.edu/history/Faculty_History/L/Lane,_Victor_Hugo.html.
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