This facility, erected in 1984, honors a man beloved by generations of Occidental students and by his faculty and administrative colleagues during the nearly forty years that he was on the campus (1943-1982) as dean of men, dean of students, director of financial aid, and professor of mathematics. Occidental athletics were a special interest of Ben Culley, faithful in attendance at events and supportive of the individual athletes. With reluctance he agreed a few months before his sudden fatal heart attack to the naming of the athletic facility in his honor.

Benjamin Hays Culley was born in Los Angeles in 1913, graduated from Eagle Rock High School, and at the University of Southern California earned the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science in Education, and Doctor of Education degrees. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and at Occidental served at the organization's longtime secretary. His first position at Occidental when he joined the faculty in 1943 was as an instructor in mathematics, and from there he advanced to the rank of professor. In 1945 he was named dean of men. From 1969 to 1976 he was associate dean of students, and from 1976 to 1980, dean of students. During the entire period from 1946 until his death he was director of financial aid.

In 1972, Occidental seniors selected Dean Culley as recipient of the Donald R. Loftsgordon Memorial Award for Outstanding Teaching.

By Jean Paule