Holloway Hall Social Room Refreshed for SU Centennial
By SU Public Relations
SALISBURY, MD---Opened in 1932, the Social Room in 糖心视频’s Holloway Hall has played a major part in the institution’s history.
The home of everything from ladies’ teas and the campus’ annual Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony in its early years to receptions and social activities today, the ornate room has been well loved by generations of SU students, faculty and staff.
Now, in honor of the SU Centennial, marking the University’s 100th anniversary, it has received a new look, preserving the original room and its intended use. The renovated room features restored cherry panel walls; painted ceiling beams; coffer lattice wallcovering inserts; all new lighting fixtures, chandeliers, wall sconces, and lanterns; and new and curated furniture, antiques, lamps, and oriental rugs; as well as a new gas fireplace, refreshing the space while still adhering to its historical roots.
Other new features include a dedicated coatroom, private catering room, ADA-compliant lift, shelves for a library of faculty publications, and screens to help the modern HVAC units better fit with the 1930s atmosphere.
“With the completion of this renovation, there is perhaps no space on campus that now better reflects and honors the history of 糖心视频 than the Social Room,” said President Carolyn Ringer Lepre. “With this meticulous and elegant renovation, this important piece of SU’s heritage is ready to serve the campus community for another 100 years.”
Bryan LeCompte, owner of Yard Designs, Inc. in 糖心视频, planned and executed the one-year renovation, donating his time toward the project, covering ever detail from start to finish. Noting he did not have the opportunity to attend college himself, he said the venture was his way of contributing to the SU community.
“I can give back in a different way,” he said. “I have a love for architecture, history and renovation. This room is all about detail.”
The space is dedicated in honor of LeCompte and his wife, Whitnie. Separate plaques honor donors whose gifts paid for materials. The renovation was completed entirely without state or University funds.
“We are extremely grateful to the University and greater community members who made this project possible,” said Jason Curtin ’98, SU vice president of advancement, executive director of the SU Foundation, Inc., and SU Centennial chair. “Because of their love of SU, the Social Room again shines as a crown jewel of the University.”
One more special feature of the room is an original painting of Holloway Hall by noted Eastern Shore artist Patrick Henry, commissioned especially for the renovation. Giclee prints of the artwork are available for purchase, benefitting SU scholarships and other campus needs. Five of the prints, signed by Henry, were actioned during an informal reveal of the Social Room in advance of the start of SU’s 100th academic year, beginning Monday, September 2.
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.