Students Gather To Determine Fate Of Chaminade Hall

October 5, 2018October 6, 2018 Sean Newhouse

Carolyn Kroupa
Contributing Writer

The Student Government Association (SGA) hosted a forum on Sept. 30 for students to generate ideas about how to best utilize Chaminade Hall.

The Chaminade Hall Vision Committee was commissioned by President Eric Spina with the charge to determine the best use for the building by the end of the 2018-2019 academic year.

During this PATH point eligible event, students had a dialogue to brainstorm potential uses for the unoccupied building, which is in the center of campus next to the Chapel, St. Mary’s Hall and Kennedy Union.

Students participate in forum about future use of Chaminade Hall

Chaminade Hall last was used in 2014 when it housed the School of Education and Health Sciences. It’s since been closed due to safety concerns.

The committee is leaning toward rebuilding rather than renovating the hall, claiming it’s a more practical, cheaper choice that will allow for a better use of space.

Here were some proposed ideas:

24/7 study space
De-stress zone (expansion of Community Wellness Services)
Additional space for the Honors Program
Food for students with allergies or specialized diets
Collaboration space for Human Rights Center and Hanley Sustainability Institute
Kitchens available for freshmen to use
New space for Office of Multicultural Affairs
Room with hardwood floor for Swing Dance Club
Worship space for Jewish students
AVIATE location for PATH point events to be held
Space for movies/video games
On-campus bar

Chaminade Hall was built in 1904 in response to the growing number of students at UD (then St. Mary’s Institute). It housed dining halls, dorm rooms and a club room with billiards and bowling. It also contained the first library on campus.

Education classes were held in Chaminade Hall from the 1940s until the School of Education and Health Sciences relocated in 2014.

Surrounded by iconic UD buildings, and in the middle of student life, the fate of Chaminade Hall must align with the university’s strategic vision for student life, academic mission, scholarship and community engagement. Its aim is to fulfill student needs that are not being met, and this event gave the committee multiple options to consider.

A livestream of the event can be viewed on Flyer News’ Facebook page.

Cover photo and recreation room photo from UD website. Photo from event provided by Carolyn Kroupa.