When the first Pacific students moved into Women's Hall (later known as South Hall) in September 1924, the doors and windows were still being installed. West Hall was built in 1946, and was joined to what was now known as South Hall in 1956 by additions at their north and south ends. Within a few decades, the buildings became Southwest Hall. 

While we watch with excitement as Southwest Hall is rebuilt to create a state-of-the-art residential living and learning community, the Alumni Association is looking back to its century of student life and forward to the memories that new generations of Pacific students will make in the renewed residence hall. 

Did you live in South, West or Southwest Hall?

Dorm living marks an unforgettable life transition—and we want to hear about it. From roommates and new friends to the fun of living away from home, alumni are invited to share the most memorable stories from your time in Southwest Hall for possible inclusion on this website and future publications. 

Submit your photos and memories

S is for the spirit that sone through South Hall 
O is for the open house that welcomed us all 
U stands for unity that gave this dorm spark 
T is the trophy which was a set mark 
H stands for having a Halloween dance, 
    dancing in darkness the theme of romance.  

H is for housemother never ceasing to care 
A is the activities in which they did share 
L stands for lateness in burning night oil 
L is for learning by work and by toil 

West hall had the spirit and a great deal of fun 
Eager for homecoming working as one 
Scarce was that over but a dance they gave 
Then they served tea for the mothers and knaves 

Happily laboring for band frolic neared 
And although they lost for the others they cheered 
Lingering friendships to all they did give 
Long they’ll remember when they here did live.  


— Najarando, 1956

When I was at South Hall the attic was an extra bedroom. Because there were so many girls, we would sleep in our own room and then trade off with our roommate for a week up there. I think Mrs. Rogers was our Dorm Mother. I was in the room right over the front door, so we had fun water bombing people.

— Phyllis Overman (Chamberlin) '55

 

Enjoyed living in the engineering community in Southwest Hall as part of my freshman year (circa 2013-2014). This was a great way to build connections that lasted all the way through our time at Pacific. From move-in day to graduation day!

— Cheyanne Harris '17 ENG

I lived on every floor of Southwest during my undergrad years at Pacific. Being an RA on the 3rd floor is one of my favorite memories from Pacific. It got me out of my shell, allowed me to delve into leadership and helped me to meet more people.

— Saumirah McWoodson '09, '13, '23

 

Sophomore year (1993-94), every Tuesday and Thursday after lunch at the Grace Covell Dining Hall, four of us friends would spend the next two hours battling at the ping pong table in the rec room before catching up on "Days of Our Lives" at 3 PM on the big TV. Oh the memories ...

— Chris Houle '96 COP

I lived in Southwest Hall during my 3rd year at Pacific. I can remember our Resident Director, Solyn Laney, always looking out for me and my friends. It meant a lot to us to have an RD that looked like us and could share our experience as African American students on campus. It helped us to feel more connected and included in the community.

— Maya Taylor '01

 

I lived in South Hall during my freshman year (1962-1963). My room was on the second floor right above the main entrance. It was a perfect vantage point for keeping tabs on people coming and going into South Hall, as well as the main entrance to Morris Library across the street. The house mother was Mrs. Boatright ("Mrs. B") who I believe was from Texas. When Mrs. B would come up the stairs to the second floor she would call out loudly in her southern drawl "Boys, I'm up."

— Roger Clark '66 BUS

I had a friend who was studying Japanese with me and he lived in Southwest. I remember one summer he had to move out of his room because it was being used for the filming of "The Sure Thing" with John Cusack. I don't recall if he met the actor, but I do want my family to see the film one of these days.

— Chris Hamilton '89

 

I stayed in Southwest Dormitory my sophomore year, which was co-ed by room. I have several memories from my year in SW - 6:30 am fire alarm and having to leave the building; our dorm taking 1st place in Band Frolic; having my door decorated by Theta as a pledge; and my roommate Michele who I have stayed in touch with to this day. Great memories!!!!!

— Marie (Bergh) Block '81 COP

Become part of Pacific history by naming a space in this transformational building

When you make a gift to Pacific to name a space in one of our buildings, you become a part of campus history. 

Currently, more than 2,000 students make the Stockton Campus their home. The new Southwest Hall will dramatically improve residence life offerings, adding suite-style accommodations with 391 beds.

Contact Senior Associate Vice President for Development Molly Byrne at 209.946.2780 or mbyrne1@pacific.edu to discuss the Southwest Hall name opportunity of your choice.

Learn more about the new Southwest Hall