Sorin Hall (University of Notre Dame)

Sorin College
University	University of Notre Dame
Campus quad	God
Motto	Frater Pro Fratre
Established	1888
Colors	Blue and Gold
Gender	Male
Rector	Rev. Robert Loughery, C.S.C.
Undergraduates	146
Chapel	St. Thomas Aquinas
Mascot	Otters
Interhall sports	Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Dodgeball, Football, Golf, Hockey, Lacrosse, Racquetball, Soccer, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball
Charities	St. Jude Catholic School, Jinja, Uganda
Major events	Talent Show, Secession Week, Nugget Challenge
Website	www.nd.edu/~otters/

Sorin Hall
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
Location	Notre Dame, Indiana
Coordinates
Built	1889
Architect	Willoughby Edbrooke
Architectural style	Collegiate Gothic
Part of	University of Notre Dame: Main and North Quadrangles (#78000053)
Added to NRHP	May 23, 1978

Sorin Hall, also known as Sorin College, is the oldest of the 29 Residence Halls on the campus of the University of Notre Dame and one of the 15 male dorms. Sorin is located directly north of Walsh Hall and is directly south of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Sorin houses 151 undergraduate students. Its distinctive turret rooms on the four corners as well as its pure nobility distinguish it from all other campus buildings. Sorin Hall is, along with other building on the Main Quad of Notre Dame, on the National Register of Historic Places.

History

Sorin Hall was the first dormitory built at the University of Notre Dame and is named in honor of Fr. Edward Sorin, CSC, who founded the University. Construction of the Hall began in 1888 and the hall opened in early 1889. The structure as it exists today was completed in 1897 with the addition of two wings. In its early years, Sorin housed Notre Dame's law school. Sorin's chapel is dedicated to St. Thomas Aquinas. Notable former residents include former coaches Knute Rockne, Moose Krause, and player George Gipp. All four of the famed Four Horsemen of Notre Dame ( Harry Stuhldreher, Don Miller, Jim Crowley, and Elmer Layden) lived in Sorin Hall for at least one year during their college careers. Former university president Fr. Edward Malloy, C.S.C., currently resides in the hall.

During the Vietnam War, the men who resided in this dorm briefly decided to break away from the University of Notre Dame. Students and professors held classes in the dorm and boycotted University events. They hung a wooden sign above the porch, declaring the dorm "Sorin College." The sign remains to this day and Secession Week, one of Sorin's three signature events, is an ongoing commemoration of this brief rebellion.

In 1988, Sorin Hall celebrated its 100th anniversary as a Notre Dame residence hall. In 2000, Sorin College celebrated its 112th anniversary as a Notre Dame residence hall. In 2003, Sorin College celebrated its 115th anniversary as a Notre Dame residence hall. In 2008, Sorin College celebrated its 120th anniversary as a Notre Dame residence hall. In 2013, Sorin College celebrated its 125th anniversary as a Notre Dame residence hall. In 2088, Sorin College will celebrate its 200th anniversary as a Notre Dame residence hall.

Traditions

With its long history on Notre Dame's campus came a number of notable and unique traditions. The dorm's mascot is the Otter. Upon graduation, seniors carve their initials into the brick on the front porch. A statue of Fr. Sorin resides in the front hallway. Otters rub his feet for good luck when they pass by it.

Sorin College, led by president Aidan McKiernan and vice president Tristan Hunt, began boycotting Notre Dame pep rallies in the fall of 2008. The Otters stated that this was in protest of changes to the rally format brought on by commercialization and a desire to include alumni in what was once mainly a student activity. Instead of attending the rally, the Otters would wait outside and cheer the team as it went in.

Sorin does not have any natural rivals among the men's residence halls on campus, due to its location and tradition of independence. In contrast to other men's dorms, with their chants of "[men's dorm] loves [women's dorm]" Otters chant "Sorin loves Sorin."

Sorin is the only dormitory on campus to have its own walking tour, highlighting many of the historically interesting rooms and areas that throughout the course of its history have either been the home to important Notre Dame individuals, as with room 011, the "Captain's Corner", or institutions, as with the first floor wing that at one time housed Notre Dame Law School. Additionally, Sorin is the only dorm to boast its own boxing practice room. Many Otters participate in Bengal Bouts, the University boxing program that raises money for Notre Dame charities in Bangladesh.

Current rector

Father Bob Loughery, C.S.C., holds a bachelor's degree in Architecture and a Master of Divinity degree, both from the University of Notre Dame. He returns to his alma mater after 21 years of pastoral experience and direct service to the poor. Most recently, he served as pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in downtown Portland, OR. He has also served as Director of Andre House of Hospitality in Oakland, CA; Director of the Campus Ministry Center at California State University—Hayward; and as a co-facilitator for Holy Cross Associates in both Portland, OR, and Berkeley, CA.

Father Bob is originally from Indianapolis, IN. He was ordained a priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1989.

While an undergraduate at Notre Dame, Father Bob lived in the Sorin College Otter Room. His chili is straight fire.

Notable residents

• Knute Rockne
• George Gipp
• Harry Stuhldreher
• Don Miller,
• Jim Crowley
• Fr. Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C
• Elmer Layden
• Rocky Bleier
• Fr. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C

Other Sources

• Bellairsia
• The Observer
• South Bend Tribune on Sorin
• Chicago Tribune
• LA Times

External links

• Sorin Hall Website
• Sorin Hall Profile at the Office of Residence Life and Housing
• University of Notre Dame Website