Stories behind buildings' benefactors revealed

By Lauren Tsugawa

Daly Science, O'Connor, Kenna, Benson -- names of buildings that pop-up in conversations everyday around campus. But where did these buildings come from? Who are these people whose names have become such an important, yet often overlooked part of Santa Clara students' daily lives?

"I know a girl who went out with a guy who has the same last name as one of the buildings," postulates junior Reid Horimoto, "but aside from that, I've never thought about the names of the classroom buildings."

A combination of donations and memorials -- surprise, surprise -- there are, in fact, faces behind the names of our beloved campus buildings.

O'Connor Hall, which now contains classrooms as well as the offices of professors in the history, math, anthropology and sociology departments, is one of the oldest buildings on campus. Originally named Senior Hall, O'Connor Hall was built to house some of Santa Clara's mere 349 students on the second and third floors, while the first floor was used to hold classes. The bookstore and ASG were located in O'Connor's basement.

Constructed in 1912, O'Connor Hall was a gift from Mr. Myles P. O'Connor, a California state judge, and his wife, Amanda. Generous benefactors for many other organizations, the O'Connor's also founded the first hospital in Santa Clara county.

Kenna Hall, built in 1924 was the largest building on campus at the time of its construction. The building was named after Robert E. Kenna, S.J., who was a student, then a professor, and finally the President of Santa Clara University, from 1888-1893 and then again from 1899-1905. During his terms he founded an alumni group as well as a fund drive for the university.

Kenna Hall, which today houses the religious studies, philosophy and modern languages departments, was first erected to serve as Santa Clara's preparatory high school building. It's three stories held dorms, classrooms and offices for high school students before it was renovated and converted to the Leavey School of Business in 1967.

One of two museums recognized by the American Association of Museums in San Jose, Santa Clara's de Saisset Museum, finished in 1955, was funded by Isabel de Saisset. Daughter of a French capitalist and founder of San Jose's Brush Electric Light Company, de Saisset donated her entire estate to the university in hopes of building an art museum to dedicate to her younger brother Ernest. An accredited painter, Ernest de Saisset attended Santa Clara from the age of 16. Many of his works can be found in the museum today.

Orradre Library is named for Santa Clara alumni and donor, Michel Orradre. Originally built in 1964, Orradre Library served as a new home for books from the Civil War that were previously held in St. Joseph's Hall. A $1.8 million dollar project, Orradre Library had the capacity to hold over seven hundred thousand books. It was renovated again with the help of a $15 million donation from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation in 2004.

Daly Science Center was constructed two years later on a grant from Edward J. Daly, a member of Santa Clara's Board of Trustees and former president of World Airways. Daly Science Center, does not, however, include the chemistry building, which was constructed from funds donated by Vincent O'Donnell.

The Pat Malley Fitness Center, one of the newer facilities on campus, was built in 1999. Named after head football coach George Patrick Malley, the fitness center was part of an $8.8 million dollar project. Malley served as a coach for Santa Clara from 1959 until his death in 1985. Under his instruction, Santa Clara stood proudly behind a track record of 141-100-3 with only 5 losing seasons.

Perhaps the most interesting and most used building on campus, Benson Memorial Center, was erected in honor of Robert F. Benson. Benson was completed in 1963, the year women were first admitted to the university. Benson, which today serves as a student go-to spot for meals, originally housed sixteen billiard tables, a locker room, eight bowling lanes, the student gathering spot known as the Red Lounge and a hair salon. Imagine that.

Many students agree that bowling lanes in Benson would be a fantastic addition. "It would be something else to do on a campus that has little to offer weekend nights besides partying," noted sophomore John Seubert. "Or something to do after the parties," he added, laughing.

Finally, the newest building on campus, Lucas Hall was finished in September of 2008. Funded by a generous donation from Donald L. Lucas, alumni of Stanford University and now chairman of Forbes and a member of Santa Clara's board of trustees, Lucas Hall is two and a half times the size of the former home of the business school, Kenna Hall, and remains the pride and joy of the university today.

"I never thought about it," reflects sophomore Manuel Cardona when asked about the mysterious names of the buildings, "but it's good that people take interest in helping universities because at the end of the day, they are not only benefiting the school but many generations of students -- like me."

Contact Lasuren Tsugawa at ltsugawa@scu.edu or at (408) 554-1918.