“Success starts here.” That’s what students whisper entering Bellarmine Hall. We stand before Bellarmine Hall. It is a vital academic building at Saint Joseph’s University.
Bellarmine Hall opened in 1960. It was a major addition to the campus. The building is named after Saint Robert Bellarmine. He was a Jesuit saint.
The post-World War II baby boom caused increased enrollment. Bellarmine Hall addressed this need. It provided more classroom space. The building reshaped the curriculum. It allowed for new programs.
Bellarmine Hall sits on Overbrook Avenue. It is three stories high. It has 30 classrooms. These classrooms can seat 1,750 students. Bellarmine Hall also houses faculty and administrative offices. There are seminar rooms and an electronic laboratory.
Bellarmine Hall expanded several departments. These included English, Theology, and Classics. It also helped build Latin American studies. Campus Ministry programs also benefited.
The dedication of Bellarmine Hall was a grand event. It was called “Dedication and Demolition Day.” The “Cardboard College” was destroyed that day. This building was also known as Barbelin Annex. It stood near Barbelin Hall.
The design of Bellarmine Hall aimed to blend in. It needed to match the Gothic architecture of the campus. The architect wanted to connect the lower and upper areas of campus. Bellarmine Hall won an award. It was named best scholastic building in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects gave the award.
Bellarmine Hall stands as a testament to growth. Saint Joseph’s University expanded its offerings. It welcomed more students. Today, the Success Center is located on the ground floor. It supports students in their academic journey. Bellarmine Hall helped shape the university into what it is today.