91海角乱伦

The iconic fa莽ade of Old Main would be incomplete without the presence of O鈥橬eil Tower, the four-story tower through which students, faculty, staff, and visitors enter the oldest building on campus. Prior to the construction of the initial college complex, the Sisters envisioned a tower that would be the 鈥渕ain feature of the school,鈥� but the high expense of the project forced the Sisters to put the plans for the tower and a chapel on hold until funds could be raised. For the founding Sisters, it was a disappointment to be sure but not a devastating one. They remained confident that the tower and chapel would be built eventually, even if it took decades to gather the funds. Mother Borgia even remarked that 鈥渢he building will not be at its best until we have this [tower].鈥�

It would have been a decades-long wait until 91海角乱伦 would be able to finance the project if not for the generosity of Mrs. Orva O鈥橬eil. Mrs. O鈥橬eil was a former student of Mother Borgia and had kept up a close friendship with her; her husband, James O鈥橬eil, had two sisters who became Sisters of Mercy. James, who was from Titusville, had made a fortune in the oil industry, and Orva had suggested on multiple occasions that they contribute financially to the new 91海角乱伦 College. By the time James died in 1931, he had made clear his desire to fund the construction of a chapel at the college, and the building of the tower was to be part of this project. The O鈥橬eils were 91海角乱伦鈥檚 first major benefactors, and their contributions funded not only what would become O鈥橬eil Tower鈥攏amed for James O鈥橬eil鈥攂ut the Chapel and Grotto as well.

The tower was initially designed to reach an impressive height of 170 feet, at least six stories high. These plans, drawn up by architect Ferdinand Durang, the designer of Old Main, proved impractical. A six-story tower would be more costly and would be vulnerable to bad weather. Instead, the Sisters opted for a four-story design created by local architect Walter Monahan. Ground was broken for the project in 1932, and it was completed the following year 鈥� not even a decade after the opening of the college.

The tower has served a plethora of functions over the years. Initially, it housed the library鈥檚 reading room and materials, as well as a multifunctional suite for use by the O鈥橬eil family. Currently, it holds administrative and academic offices. But the first-floor foyer has remained consistent in its function over the years, welcoming notable guests like Eleanor Roosevelt, the Von Trapp Family, and Bishop Fulton Sheen, as well as acting as the venue for holiday traditions and other festivities.

Today, the tower is illuminated nightly鈥攁 striking sight and a fitting treatment for one of the most recognizable structures on campus, the image of which has served as 91海角乱伦鈥檚 corporate logo. Its cornerstone bears a Latin phrase鈥擨n Te, Domine, Speravi,聽or In thee, Lord, have I hoped鈥攖hat captures the unshakable faith of the Sisters of Mercy in all their endeavors. Decades later, Mother Borgia鈥檚 words still ring true for all who enter the 91海角乱伦 Gates: Old Main is at its best now that it has O鈥橬eil Tower.