Jacobus Hall throughout the years

The demolition of Jacobus Hall is slated to occur in early 2019, making way for the new University Center and student housing that will replace Jacobus and Hayden Halls by August 2021. Students organizations and offices currently housed in Jacobus, including The Stute, have been preparing to vacate the building by participating in clean up and packing efforts organized by the Student Government Association (SGA) and Office of Student Life (OSL).

While Jacobus has been home to The Stute and other student offices since the Spring semester of 1989, archived records from the Samuel C. Williams Library show that the building was constructed along with Palmer Hall in 1937 as a dormitory to support the expansion of Stevens at the time. During its 80-plus-year lifetime, Jacobus would also house both male and female students, during separate time periods in Stute history.

The building was named Jacobus Hall in honor of Dr. David S. Jacobus, an 1884 graduate, and would accommodate 21 men in a combination of single and double rooms when completed in Fall of 1937. The building would also serve as a social center for all dormitories, with a large lounge area, music room, reading room, squash courts, and was expected to hold future dances and social functions formerly held at the Stevens Castle. Rent for students neared $200 per year, estimated to be about $3,500 today.

The official opening ceremony took place in December of 1937, according to The Stute, and was attended by several trustees, faculty members, and students from the time, as well as President Harvey Davis (Stevens’ third president), William Slocum Barstow (the donor), and Dr. David Schenck Jacobus.

Not much has changed about Jacobus over the years, except perhaps for the addition of handicap entrances to the first floor, and the removal of carpeted flooring and furniture pieces from the lounge. Cosmetically, the building has grown run down compared to when it was first constructed. In its lifetime, Jacobus has served more than 80 classes of Stevens students, seen multiple wars, and multiple renovations. Although it may feel bittersweet to see Jacobus go, the new University Center will simply continue supporting of growth of Stevens, as envisioned by President Davis himself when the building was first constructed.