WSU honored an alumni and nationally-renowned sports broadcaster Friday by renaming the Murrow West Communications Building to Jackson Hall.

Recognized by his deep booming voice, Keith Jackson is the unofficial voice of college football.

The ceremony outside the Murrow Buildings drew a large crowd of students, alumni and WSU administrators. Jackson spoke at the event and reminisced about his time in Pullman, and what the university means to him.

“This was my kind of place, and my kind of people,” Jackson said to the crowd. “And you still are.”

Jackson started his broadcast career calling a radio football game between WSU and Stanford. He graduated from WSU in 1954, and would go on to cover a wide variety of sporting events including the Monaco Grand Prix, the PGA Tour, and the Olympics.

All accomplishments aside, Jackson is best known for his coverage of college football.

“He literally defined himself for a sport, he is the voice of college football,” said Darin Watkins, the director of communications for the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication.  

Watkins said Jackson has been a key contributor to the university, with donations for studios, newsrooms, and financial scholarships.

“A degree from Murrow is more special because of Keith Jackson,” Watkins added.

Also speaking at the event was Murrow Associate Dean of Academics Prabu David. After the ceremony, he commented on how important Jackson is to the college.

“He’s elevated Washington State and the Murrow college, and represents us as one of the legendary figures in sports broadcasting,” David said.

After the band commenced, and before the new Jackson Hall sign was unveiled, the namesake and honored guest had one more thing to add.

“Go Cougs.”