Pictured is Austin Hall Shortly after its construction when it was known as Loretto Hall. Because of a need to house more students it was constructed from 1964-1965 and opened to residents as Loretto Hall in the fall of 1965. It was Alverno's third residence hall and the the first west-facing building on campus.
A more recent photo of Austin Hall
On November 8, 2005, Alverno College President Mary Meehan announced the Campus Center/ Residence Hall (formerly Loretto Hall and later The Campus Center) would be renamed Austin Hall in honor of Sister Austin Doherty. Sister Austin’s service and dedication to Alverno began as an Alverno student. She graduated in 1954 with a degree in history and went on to teach at the high school level. She continued her education in the 1960's earning a PhD. in psychology.
Sister Austin returned to Alverno in 1968 as a faculty member and began Alverno’s psychology department. In 1970, with her involvement, Alverno’s Research Center on Women (now the Research Center for Women and Girls) opened and she was its first director. Later she was Academic Dean (1978-1992) ; Vice President for Academic Affairs (1992-1999); Director of the Alverno College Institute (1999 to 2006); and a Special Assistant to Academic Affairs (2005-2013). She died on February 8, 2015.
Sister Austin was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Alverno Weekend College program as well as being one of the leaders that moved Alverno’s curriculum transformation forward into an ability-based program. As a college leader, she brought national and international attention to Alverno’s trailblazing curriculum. Her legacy of commitment, dedication and service continues to be a beacon for faculty, staff and students of Alverno College.
Sister Austin Doherty
