Lewis: from convent to chickens
By MEG REYNDERS
Scene Writer
In the 1960s, a convent was built on the edge of Notre Dame campus to house the Sisters of the Holy Cross who were graduate students at the University. Lewis Hall served as a convent for the nuns and their meager belongings. Yet, the introduction of female undergraduates to Notre Dame in 1972 brought about a need for increased housing. Lewis Hall was shortly thereafter transformed into a female dormitory. The home of nearly 300 undergraduate women, Lewis, as people know it today, is a far cry from the Lewis of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
Many people on campus fail to make their way to Lewis, mainly because they are unsure of exactly where it is. When asked about Lewis' location, freshman resident Frances Devlin noted, "No other campus has a building housing 300 girls that 50 percent of the male student body can't find."
In reality, there are many advantages to Lewis' placement on campus. Situated on St. Joseph's Lake, the Lewis Chickens are able to enjoy a view of campus which most dorms are not afforded. Residents find themselves close to the Grotto, the Basilica, the Health Center, North Dining Hall, St. Michael's Laundry and the Administration Building (a helpful landmark when making one's way back to the dorm after a long night). Due to its location behind the Administration Building, it is said that Lewis Hall is the only residence hall on campus on which Mary can afford to turn her back.
Yet, it is not just a long walk that separates Lewis from other residence halls on campus. Lewis has been the proud recipient of the "Hall of the Year" award twice in the past four years. It is recognized as a dorm built on enthusiasm, athletic talent, leadership, generosity and a sense of dorm unity that is unsurpassed by that of other residence halls.
While many dorms on campus compare themselves to fraternities or sororities, most of the Lewis Chickens see their dorm as a home. The family-like element is what makes Lewis Hall such a special place.
"I've never had a sister before. It was kinda neat to come to college and find 300 of them," said freshman Katie Logisz.
Beth Willkom, a sophomore, touched on this same idea. "Sometimes when I am returning to school from breaks I tell my mom that I am going home. Gosh, sometimes that one doesn't go over too well, but it's so true!"
Sister Annette George, the rector of Lewis Hall, agreed. She noted the fact that Lewis is not located on a quad with its social space. This provides Lewisites with opportunities to bond with one another and to grow together as a community. Lewis' Hall Staff makes much of this unity possible as well, playing an active role in the lives of the residents.
Lewis' residents definitely do not play a passive role on campus. Rather, they make their presence known in many different activities — on the playing fields, in student government, doing service work, participating in campus liturgies and playing in the band, to name a few. "It's all about the poultry power," said Katie Logisz.
Most recently, the Chicks were busy with events for Camp Lewis Week, Lewis' spirit week leading up to the well-known Lewis Crush Dance. These activities, and many of the events sponsored by Lewis, are made possible by the collaborative effort between a strong hall council and a supportive hall staff. Co-presidents Jen Caswell and Lisa Maier attributed much of Lewis' success this year to the participation of the freshman class. "Lewis had more freshmen than any other hall this year and their enthusiasm and involvement really helped with everything we were able to do as a dorm," the co-presidents said.
Another unique aspect of Lewis is the strong sense of faith that permeates the dorm. Lewis' weekly mass is one of the most popular on campus. It serves as yet another opportunity for Lewisites to come together and to grow further as a community.
Lewis is a special place to many Notre Dame students, both past and present. It is not unusual for alumni to return "home" to Lewis to reminisce about the days when they played interhall sports together, sat in the hallways talking till all hours of the night or celebrated mass together. Devlin put it best when she said, "I can't ever imagine leaving Lewis. That's why I don't think I ever will ... EVER."
All Scene Stories for Wednesday, April 5, 2000
