Historic Spaces 

St. Mary’s student center first opened in 1937 as the campus dining hall. When the current Commons opened in 1959, St. Mary’s was re-outfitted as a student center, relieving Howard Hall of Student Government offices.

From 1965-1985 St. Mary’s had a dual use as Student-Union by (week)day, and University Chapel over the weekend.

In 1969, electronic speakers in the building cupola allowed a 25-bell carillon to sound from the chapel tower across the campus.

The Engineering school was formerly named “Multnomah School of Engineering” when the Multnomah College merged with the University of Portland in 1969.  The Board of Regents voted to perpetuate the name “Multnomah College” by giving it to the School of Engineering. The name Multnomah School of Engineering was discontinued in 1997.

The basement was not part of the original Engineering building (or covered by budget). Brother Godfrey Vassallo, C.S.C., other faculty, and dedicated students dug out the basement themselves using hand tools.