Built in 1891, West Hall served the short-lived Portland University (1891-1899) and was purchased along with the 25 acres of the bluff campus by Archbishop Alexander Christie in 1901 as a Catholic college (Columbia University renamed University of Portland in 1935) under the direction of the Congregation of Holy Cross. As the only structure at our beginning, West Hall contained the entire new University: becoming classrooms, dormitory, library, dining hall, Chapel, and offices. Naturally library, dormitory, dining hall and Chapel later migrate as new facilities appear. Today West Hall/Waldschmidt Hall houses student services and administrative offices.
In 1977, during the University’s Diamond Anniversary celebration, West Hall was named a historic building and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. At its century mark (1991-92), an extensive renovation brought an elevator, light, the grand-staircase, and more to the old bones. At a rededication ceremony thirty years ago on October 17, 1992, West Hall was renamed as Waldschmidt Hall in honor of the University’s 15th president (1962-1978), Bishop Paul Waldschmidt, C.S.C.
(Marketing and Communications photo)
As the University’s longest-serving building, Waldschmidt Hall has welcomed all University presidents from the first, Rev. Edward P. Murphy who rang the opening bell on September 5, 1901, to the University’s 21st president, Dr. Robert Kelly.
For more pictures and history of West/Waldschmidt Hall visit the Clark Library’s Digital University Buildings Collection, displaying images of photographs and objects held by the University Archives and Museum (with descriptions from the Archives and Museum).
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In the Beginning: Cornerstone West Hall
What a great,old building! Miss the climb up the back stairs…creaks and all!lol…I remember as a little kid going out after the Columbus Day storm in 1962. The place was a wreck from all the storm damage. And West Hall looked pretty spooky. My grandfather taught in that building from 1909-1918,coached football,track and field,soccer,etc. Dad and 3 uncles through CP then UofP. Great,great memories!
Tim Callicrate
35th Pledge Class SigmaTauOmega
Class of ’83
I can still hear the annoying creaking of the floors as we would attempt to sneak in late for class on early Saturday mornings after a night of Upsilon Omega Pi partying.
Thankfully, Saturday morning classes are a thing of the past!
Sadly, spirit fraternity Upsilon Omega Pi is also gone except for the few of us still standing 72 years after the fraternity received its UP charter.
Doug Edwards ’67