Eugene Terry Dennis Memorial Hall
Site: On the north side of the lake, between Freeman Hall and Robins Hall
Completed: September, 1963
Architect: Cram, Goodhue and Ferguson
Size: 23,425 square feet
Dennis Memorial Hall was first occupied in September, 1963. It was a gift of Overton D. Dennis, a former Richmond College student, and was named in honor of his brother, Eugene Terry Dennis. Overton Dennis was a member of the University’s Board of Trustees from 1937 to 1971.
Dennis a Collegiate Gothic structure, complemented the architectural style of the existing men’s residence halls. The Dennis family coat of arms is displayed on the building exterior. Dennis Hall has three floors. A student lounge and suite for the dormitory director occupy the ground floor. When first constructed the building was designed to accommodate 105 men. Total cost of construction is estimated at $400,000.
With the addition of Dennis Hall, Richmond College could house 630 men on campus. But, it was determined that two additional residence halls were needed to replace the temporary building erected during WWII. A September 27, 1963 article in the Collegian reported that seventy percent of Richmond College students were from outside the area. The increased number of resident students initiated a expansion of the dining facilities on campus.
Today Dennis Memorial Hall is a residence for a little over 100 women.
Sources:
UR website
University Facilities
Alley, Reuben E. History of the University of Richmond, 1830-1971
Collegian 1963