Starkweather Hall was erected when the Student Christian Association (SCA) found itself without a home. The organization had previously utilized the campus conservatory, but when the location was needed for classes, the organization found itself homeless. It was then that the students decided to fundraise for their own building. The fundraising was successful in that it received about $1,000 worth of funds. However, they still needed assistance. It was then that they made an appeal to the local philanthropist Mary Ann Starkweather, who agreed to assist in the form of $10,000.
