Fall 2012 - Villanova University

Landmarksand LegendsBy Jennifer SchuIt is a place with an air of mystery, one thatinvites secrets—and keeps them. Almostevery Villanovan has heard about CorrHall’s famous “whispering arches.” Legendhas it that if two students share a kiss underone of them, they are destined to be married.And if a student whispers into the archon one side of the building, his or her wordscan be heard on the other side.They say the legend is based on the storyof a freshman engineering student whobrought his nursing-student girlfriend to thearches, where they shared their first kiss. Asa senior, he proposed by whispering throughthem—and she said “yes.” It is believed thatsince then the archway has been the settingfor other marriage proposals.It is fitting that a place of young couples’dreams is named for a young dreamer.In 1849, a 21-year-old Irishman namedBernard Corr arrived in Philadelphia withjust 80 cents in his pocket. He becamea successful entrepreneur known for hisphilanthropy to Catholic institutions andbestowed upon the Augustinians a $100,000gift to fund the building that bears his name.Built between 1912 and 1914 anddesigned by architect Edwin F. Durang,who also designed St. Thomas of VillanovaChurch, Corr Hall is one of the most beautifulbuildings on campus. It is designed inthe Gothic Revival style, complete withmedieval chapel and castellated towers. For50 years it housed the Augustinian seminary.In fall 2006, a window designed by theRev. Richard G. Cannuli, OSA, ’73 A&Scommemorating the Villanovans who losttheir lives in the 9/11 attacks was installedin the chapel. Today, the main building ofCorr Hall is used as a student residence,while the chapel—where Mass is offereddaily—offers a place of quiet reflection forthe Villanova community. villanova.edu 43