For the first time at Princeton University, a class that graduated
after World War II will have a dormitory named in its honor. The new
1981 Hall, a gift from members of the class of 1981, will be located
within the Whitman College residential complex, now under construction, and also will become the first dormitory to honor a co-educational class.
"This gift pays tribute to the generous and loyal spirit of the great
class of 1981 and ensures that future classes will have an outstanding
residential experience," said University President Shirley M. Tilghman.
The gift, from a group of alumni who wish to remain anonymous, comes as
the class of 1981 prepares to celebrate its 25th Reunion in June. The
new building will be the latest in a number of campus dormitories that
commemorate classes, from the historic 1879 Hall, given in 1904 by
Woodrow Wilson's undergraduate class during his presidency of the
University, to the postmodern 1927-Clapp Hall, dedicated in 1988. The
University began admitting undergraduate women in 1969, and 1981 Hall
will honor a class that graduated 12 years after that.
"We are so proud to have a Princeton dormitory named for our class,
especially as we gear up for what we hope will be a spectacular 25th
Reunion,” said Class President Jean Telljohann.
Whitman College, scheduled to open in fall 2007, is a key component of
the University's ambitious plan to enhance undergraduate life by
offering all undergraduate students the option of living in four-year residential colleges. Princeton currently has a system of five two-year residential colleges for freshmen and sophomores.
The new hall, designed like the rest of Whitman in collegiate gothic
style by the noted architect Demetri Porphyrios, a 1980 Princeton
graduate alumnus, will be a five-story, L-shaped structure that
overlooks two courtyards. It will house 111 undergraduates in single
rooms and suites, and contain two suites for graduate students as well.
Under its slate roof will be a number of amenities for use by all
residents in Whitman College's dormitories, including a multipurpose
room, television lounge, dance studio and digital photography
lab.
Whitman College will serve as one of three residential colleges in
which undergraduates may live for their entire four years at Princeton.
Located between Baker Rink and Dillon Gymnasium, it will also allow for
an 11 percent increase in Princeton's undergraduate population, from
about 4,700 to 5,200 students.
