The department of Physical Plant was in charge of campus planning, renovations and construction, and maintanence of campus buildings and grounds. In 1957, the name of department of Buildings and Grounds was changed to the department of Physical Plant. The name was changed again in 2002 to Facilities.

In 1959, West College was renamed Kress Hall in honor of Rush H. Kress, Bucknell class of 1900 and trustee from 1919-1933 and 1941-1946. In 1960, East College was renamed Trax Hall for Harland Adams Trax, Bucknell class of 1901 and trustee from 1937-1952. In 1968, the Administration Building was named Marts Hall in honor of Dr. Arnaud Cartwright Marts, Bucknell president from 1938-1945. In 1978, Women's Residence Hall became known as Vedder Hall in honor of the Lee N. and Grace Q. Vedder Foundation. Freshman Residence Halls were named Smith Hall in 1987 in honor of Robert E. Smith, Bucknell class of 1939 and trustee from 1983-1990, and Margaret A. Smith, Bucknell class of 1941. In 1990, University Center was formally named the Elaine Langone Center for wife of trustee Kenneth Langone. The Recreation and Athletics Center was named Kenneth Langone Athletics and Recreation Center (KLARC) for Kenneth Langone, Bucknell class of 1957 and trustee from 1982-1996.