What's in a Name?

The archival display on the first floor of the Snowden Library titled, "WHAT'S IN A NAME?" features six of Lycoming College's campus buildings named in honor of men and women who were important to the school and its development over the years. This is the first of an ongoing display to highlight all of our dedicated buildings.

Dedicated in 1952, Long Hall was named in honor of Dr. John W. Long whose presidency (1921-1955) guided the transition from Dickinson seminary to Dickinson Junior College and eventually to Lycoming College. It originally housed the college library; today the administrative offices are located in Long Hall. The clock face in the tower was installed in 1959 as a gift from the class of 1958.

The student activities building, built in 1959, was named for Bishop D. Frederick Wertz, president of Lycoming College, 1955-1968. The building provides social and cultural facilities designed for student needs and recreation. In addition, food services, career development, student services, the college bookstore, and meeting rooms for campus organizations are housed in Wertz.

Rich Hall, named in honor of the Rich family, of which nineteen members attended Lycoming College or its predecessors. The hall was built in 1948 as Lycoming College was being accredited as a four-year institution. It remains, as always, an all-female residence hall.

Skeath Hall, built in 1965, is the largest residence hall and honors the late J. Milton Skeath, professor, dean, and head of the Psychology Department who taught at the college for 46 years. This building originally was a men’s residence hall, but now houses members of the freshman class.

Crever Hall is named in honor of Benjamin Crever, founder of Williamsport Dickinson Seminary, forerunner of Lycoming College. The residence hall was part of the campus’s expansion to accommodate increasing student populations in the 1960’s.

Clarke Building and Chapel,dedicated October 14, 1939. The Chapel was made possible through the bequest of Martha B. Clarke, Class of 1862 in honor of her family. Originally the dining hall was on the ground floor, but presently the Music Department is housed in that location. Choir and band concerts are held in the Chapel itself.