Residence halls ready for move-in

MOBILE — More than 200 Spring Hill College students will be moving into a new state-of-the-art residence hall and a completely renovated historic hall this weekend. Two capital projects totaling more than $16 million include the new “Skip’s Place” and the remodeled Mobile Hall.

Skip’s Place, the second phase of the Viragh Residence Complex, will accommodate 139 residents in double and single rooms. The residence hall features a pod-style living arrangement, with six to seven residents living in each pod. The complex features study areas, classroom, laundry facilities, meeting rooms and various common areas. The interior is beautifully decorated, and each floor has its own color and furniture scheme. The spacious exterior is landscaped to complement Viragh Hall and to complete the Viragh Complex and features a stone sitting area and a water fountain.

“Skip's Place features a living arrangement that is intended to bring smaller groups of students together, while still living in a larger community,” said Brent McPherson, director of residence life.

Skip’s Place is named for the late Albert P. “Skip” Viragh, a 1964 graduate of the college. Viragh is the biggest donor in the college’s history, having given more than $13.5 million prior to his death in 2003.

“Thanks to Skip Viragh’s generosity, our students enjoy the best of a campus living and learning experience,” said the Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J., college president. “Our residence halls provide the right environment to network, study and cultivate friendships outside the classroom.”

Mobile Hall will be home to 94 residents who will live in single rooms with private baths. Renovations included replacing the carpet with hardwood floors, adding a paint texture to the walls, and remodeling the second-floor lobby. Mobile Hall was originally constructed in 1927, with offices and classrooms on the first floor and rooms on the second and third floors.

Lucey will bless Mobile Hall at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, the day before new students arrive on campus. Skip’s Place will be dedicated on Friday, Sept. 21, coinciding with the board of trustees meeting.

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