In October, Stonehill College welcomed business leaders, elected officials, and candidates for public office to the Metro South Chamber’s 35th Annual Legislative Reception, held in the historic Donahue Hall. The event provided a relaxed setting for networking, conversation, and collaboration, with attendees enjoying complimentary refreshments and hors d’oeuvres while connecting on issues that matter most to the region’s business community.
With legislative actions at the municipal, state, and federal levels impacting Metro South businesses more than ever, this reception offered a valuable opportunity for members to make their voices heard. Chamber members were able to strengthen relationships with local and state officials, exchange ideas, and discuss policies affecting commerce and industry in the region.
This annual event is sponsored by SCU Credit Union and Stonehill College. Photos courtesy of Rich Morgan Photography, visit our flickr page to view more. Video recording available on YouTube – thanks to Brockton Community Access.
History of Donahue Hall
One of the central symbols of Stonehill College is Donahue Hall, the mansion house built on the estate of Frederick Lothrop Ames (1876-1921).
Designed by architects Parker, Thomas and Rice of Boston, the 2 ½ story, 55-room Georgian Revival style mansion features a classical façade framed by two gabled wings and a connecting colonnade of six Corinthian columns and was known as Stone House Hill House. In 1935, the Congregation of Holy Cross, the College’s sponsoring religious organization, bought the Ames estate from his widow for use as a seminary.
In 1948, the Congregation established the College, giving it the name “Stonehill” which was derived from the estate name. The building became the academic and administrative hub of the College, and included the library and cafeteria in addition to serving as the residence of the priests assigned to the College. In 1963, the building was officially named “Donahue Hall” in honor of Rev. James Donahue, C.S.C., the Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross who authorized the purchase of the Ames property in 1935.
Home to the Admission Office and the Office of the President, Donahue Hall today stands at the summit of a mature 380-acre campus comprising more than 30 major buildings, athletic fields, lawn and landscaped areas, agricultural use land, forested areas, undeveloped acreage. Throughout its history, the College has worked diligently to maintain the layout of the house and to keep its architectural integrity.
