“The character of Marie Mount will live forever” These words echoed through the halls of Marie Mount Hall long after Dean Mount’s passing in 1957. This imposing building on the University of Maryland campus stands as a testament to a remarkable woman.
Marie Mount Hall wasn’t always known by that name. Originally constructed in 1940 it was called Margaret Brent Hall. Margaret Brent a significant colonial Marylander was the first American woman to demand the right to vote. Yet in 1967 the Board of Regents made a significant change renaming the hall for Dean Marie Mount.
Dean Mount arrived at the university in 1919. She headed the Department of Home and Institution Management. Later she became the dean of the College of Home Economics a position she held with quiet dedication and unswerving loyalty until her death. Her legacy resonated deeply with alumni. They pushed for the renaming ensuring her contributions would be visibly honored.
University President Wilson Elkins praised Dean Mount’s quiet efficiency and her ability to inspire confidence. He admired her common sense and the trust she inspired. Her influence extended beyond administration. Students loved her. Her presence permeated the building.
Even after her death Dean Mount’s presence seemed to linger. In the late 1970s night watchmen and residents reported strange occurrences. Doors opened and closed mysteriously. Toilets flushed without explanation. Matches went out in rooms with closed windows and doors. Some believed these were signs of Dean Mount’s enduring spirit.
Legend speaks of her playing the piano vigorously on dark stormy nights the sounds carried on the wind and rain. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman whose influence continues to resonate within Marie Mount Hall. So stand here and feel the history. Feel the echoes of a life well-lived and a legacy that lives on.