Spring Hill College Renames New Hall to Viscardi Hall in Honor of Beloved Jesuit Priest

Mobile, AL – Spring Hill College is excited to announce that the student residence hall, New Hall, will be renamed in honor of the esteemed Fr. Chris Viscardi, S.J. This tribute follows a generous gift from John and Mary Lou Barter, who requested that the hall be named in honor of a Jesuit priest. Fr. Viscardi was the ideal choice.

Fr. Viscardi has dedicated an impressive 45 years of service to Spring Hill College. He has made a lasting impact on both students and the wider Catholic community. His innumerable contributions include the development of the Certificate of Spiritual Direction program and the Master’s in Theology program. He also served for many years as the Division Chair of Philosophy and Theology and briefly as President Pro Tem of Spring Hill College in 2018.

In addition to his academic achievements, Fr. Viscardi’s commitment to Hispanic Pastoral Ministry has left a lasting mark on the Archdiocese of Mobile and those he has served both at Spring Hill College and in the greater Mobile community. 

“Fr. Viscardi embodies the spirit of Spring Hill College,” said Mary H. Van Brunt, PhD, Spring Hill College President. “His dedication to education, service, and spirituality aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are honored to celebrate his contributions through the renaming of New Hall.”

The official dedication ceremony for Viscardi Hall will take place at the newly named Viscardi Hall on Thursday, October 17, at 5:00 p.m. We warmly invite all members of the Spring Hill College community, alumni, and friends—especially those whose lives Fr. Viscardi has touched—to join us in honoring his legacy during this special event.

ABOUT SPRING HILL COLLEGE:
Founded in 1830, Spring Hill College is the oldest Catholic college in the Southeast and the third oldest Jesuit college in the United States. Spring Hill combines the Jesuit tradition of excellence in education and a commitment to caring for the whole person — mind, body and spirit — with innovative educational experiences. Located in Mobile, Ala., Spring Hill’s mission is to form leaders engaged in learning, faith, justice, and service for life. As a result, Spring Hill students are engaged, inspired and transformed by their experiences.