Early Expansion, 1930-1939

Durang was once again contracted in 1930 to design additions to the Administration Building, which were constructed between 1930 and 1931 and opened in 1932. The "south entrance gateway," affectionately known as the Arch, was also included in this contract. Durang designed the Arch and the enclosure wall at the lower end of Lake Street to match the College's original entrance, part of which still exists at the top of Lake Street. 

Enrollment had more than doubled in just a few short years: in 1924, a total of 23 students were enrolled in the College; the Class of 1930 itself boasted 49 members. Ground was broken for McAuley Hall in 1928. Bishop Thomas O'Reilly presided over the ceremony and blessed the ground. Named in honor of Mother Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, McAuley Hall was the first separate dormitory on campus.