By Darryl Gangloff

Hotchkiss marked a historic moment on Oct. 25 with the naming of Hurst Hall, formerly known as Memorial Hall. The iconic dormitory’s new name honors the extraordinary generosity of the Hurst family: Bob and Soledad Hurst P’97,’23,’24, Trustee Alex Hurst ’97, Jaidyn Hurst ’23, and Jared Hurst ’24. Their early and transformative gift to the Ever Forward campaign allowed the School to move forward with the long-awaited renovation of the building, ensuring that it will remain a rewarding residential community for students and faculty for generations to come.

During the dedication ceremony, Head of School Craig W. Bradley reflected on the building’s long history and its enduring place in School life.

“This moment has been a long time in coming, and it is highly anticipated,” Bradley said. “The building behind me has long been known as Memorial Hall. It was originally dedicated to honor ‘those sons of Hotchkiss killed during World War I.’ The dedication was later extended to Hotchkiss alumni killed in all foreign wars.”

Designed by architect Cass Gilbert, Memorial Hall was constructed in 1923 as the first 20th-century addition to the campus. Gilbert was quoted in 1924 as saying, “The style of the simple, old brick buildings of the Early Colonial or Georgian period was adopted … in the belief that the maintenance of simple standards of living in an environment of good taste and beauty would be an important factor in the training and development of the boys.”

The building was renovated in 1963. By the time 60 more years had elapsed, modern renovation was long overdue. Thanks to the Hurst family, the renewed building reopened to acclaim from the community in fall 2023. “It is now one of the most sought-after residential halls on campus,” Bradey told the crowd at the dedication ceremony. He emphasized the importance of the Hurst family’s gift in preserving and modernizing the building. “We are delighted to join with all of you in expressing our gratitude to the Hurst family for their generosity.”

As part of the day’s celebration, Bradley also announced the formal dedication of the space connecting Hurst, Wieler, and the two Cass Gilbert faculty houses as Memorial Quadrangle, preserving the legacy of the original Memorial Hall name. A new engraved stone set into the pathway is dedicated to “the Hotchkiss graduates who made the supreme sacrifice in foreign wars.”

The Common Room within Hurst Hall, the renovation of which was made possible by Larry Flinn ’53, GP’22, remains dedicated to all Hotchkiss graduates killed in war. Their names are inscribed on plaques in the Common Room.

Alex Hurst ’97 offered gracious words of thanks on behalf of his family, after which Board President Tim Sullivan ’81, P’13,’16 expressed gratitude for the Hurst family’s vision and impact on the residential experience at Hotchkiss.

“Alex, I offer these words to you and to all of the members of your family: thank you. You have literally preserved an absolutely iconic part of the Hotchkiss campus, ensuring that students for generations to come will remember living in this beautiful building.”

Sullivan then noted that the renovation has strengthened both student and faculty life on campus.

“Today, the faculty apartments in Hurst are some of the nicest on campus,” Sullivan said. “When campus adults are happy with their living space, they are much more likely to stay in it. Over time, long-serving teachers may raise families in a building. Their own children come to know it as home. And that creates a warmth and sense of continuity for the students, year after year, who live there. It feels like home for them, too. In that way, your family has done much more than renovate a dorm. You have contributed in a profound and lasting way to the high quality of the residential experience at Hotchkiss and to the strength of the Hotchkiss community.”

In closing, Sullivan acknowledged the significance of the Hurst family’s generosity to the Ever Forward campaign. “Your family’s incredibly generous gift is one of the largest we received during the campaign. It not only made the renovation of this historic building possible, but it also galvanized the campaign.”

Trustee Emeritus Tom Edelman ’69, P’06,’07 ended the ceremony with a toast to Alex Hurst: “I just want to say how grateful we all should be, and certainly I am, to have him with us leading Hotchkiss into the future for decades to come.” He also acknowledged Hurst’s overall service on the Board and his new role as chair of the Board of Trustees’ Building, Grounds, and Environment (BG&E) committee.

Inside Hurst Hall, a plaque commemorates both the history of the building and the enduring generosity of the Hurst family. The text of the plaque reads as follows: 

“This building is named in honor of the Hurst Family, whose extraordinary generosity made its renewal possible. Originally built in 1923 as Memorial Hall, named in memory of Hotchkiss graduates who lost their lives in WWI, Hurst Hall will continue to serve as a place of learning, friendship, and community for generations of students to come. The Common Room and Memorial Quad honor Hotchkiss graduates who made the supreme sacrifice in foreign wars. Hotchkiss will forever remember the Hurst Family’s enduring love for the School.”