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 exterior faces of Dundon-Berchtold are designed to continue and preserve heritage elements of Howard Hall’s architecture.

The brass joints of the water-spouts at the eaves repeat the Cross and Anchor symbol of the Congregation of Holy Cross.