Spes Unica Hall represents the College’s commitment to academic excellence by constructing a state-of-the-art facility in which to teach and learn.  Jennifer Mathile Prikkel ’95, Trustee, and her parents, Clayton and MaryAnn Mathile, were instrumental in beginning the funding process for the construction of the new academic building.  The construction of Spes Unica Hall was completely funded by donor contributions.  For a complete listing of academic departments, programs and offices in Spes Unica please click here .

Building Facts:

  • Spes Unica Hall is a 68,484 square foot, three (3) story structural steel framed building with an exterior brick and limestone veneer, housing academic offices, classrooms and common areas for student interaction and faculty/student interaction.

  • Construction began in November of 2006.  The first concrete was poured December 15th.

  • Classes commenced in Spes Unica Hall in August 2008.  The dedication date is October 30, 2008.

  • Spes Unica Hall has 18 state-of-the-art classrooms:

    • One oval tiered classroom with seating for 60 students.
    • Four large classrooms with seating for 40 (one large classroom is tiered).
    • Nine medium classrooms with seating for 32.
    • Four small classrooms with seating for 20.
    • Several laboratories (including Psychology and Sociology)
    • Eight (8) small group study rooms.

  • The following academic departments occupy six (6) suites in Spes Unica Hall:

    • 1st Floor East
      • Humanistic Studies
      • Philosophy
      • Religious Studies

    • 1st Floor West
      • Center for Spirituality
      • Center for Women’s InterCultural Leadership (CWIL)
      • Center for Academic Innovation and Association Dean of Faculty
      • Center for Career Opportunities

    • 2nd Floor East
      • Political Science
      • Social Work
      • Sociology

    • 2nd Floor West
      • History
      • English
      • Women’s Studies

    • 3rd Floor East
      • Business Administration and Economics
      • Anthropology

    • 3rd Floor West
      • Psychology & Communicative Disorders
      • Justice Education

  • The six suites provide 85 individual offices for faculty and staff.   In addition to offices, each suite has six (6) work stations for adjunct faculty and student staff, plus one (1) conference room.

  • The Reflection Room located on the second floor, with its elaborate stained glass windows, provides a quiet refuge for students to meditate.

  • Spes Unica Hall provides state-of-the-art technology for its students, faculty and staff.  Over 50 miles of data cable and fiber for IT have been installed, with all areas hard-wired and wireless.

  • One unique feature about Spes Unica Hall is the “Spes Unica Café” and outside terrace on the second floor, which is operated by Sodexo, the College’s food service provider. 

  • Ballinger and Architecture Design Group collaborated in the design of Spes Unica Hall and H. G. Christman was the general contractor.

  • Sustainability was the key in the design and engineering criteria for this building.

  • Over 1,600,000 pounds of structural steel (equal to ~700 VW Bugs) and over 1,500,000 pounds of concrete were used in the construction of the facility. 

  • A green roof system will be installed in the fall of 2008 over the Common Area.  The concept of the “green roof” is preservation of the environment and energy efficiency.