Advancing the Mission: Campus Transformation at The University of Scranton Since 1888

In June 2024, University President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., announced the construction of Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall, a nearly 90,000-square-foot center for workforce development, applied research, and outreach. To celebrate this latest example of campus expansion, the Weinberg Memorial Library is looking back at the campus’s architectural evolution since the University’s founding in 1888. With photographs, architectural renderings, maps, aerial views, and newspaper articles from the University Archives, the online exhibit explores how campus planning and construction has transformed the University and contributed to the advancement of its mission. The online exhibit can be viewed at scranton.edu/library/advancingthemission .

— Associate Professor Colleen Farry Digital Services Librarian

Model of the University’s campus from 1962 which helped visualize the University's urban renewal layout, a joint project with the Scranton Redevelopment Authority. Buildings depicted include Alumni Memorial Hall, Loyola Hall, St. Thomas Hall, former Gunster Memorial Student Center, and the upper and lower quads of residence halls.

“Old Main,” the University’s original home when it was founded as St. Thomas College in 1888, located on Wyoming Avenue in Scranton.

Architectural model from 1979 of the planned University Commons. Pictured from left to right: Ralph Mancuso, executive vice president of S. G. Mastriani Construction Corp., Rev. Bernard McIlhenney, dean of admissions, Robert Ryder, vice president for finance, John Flanagan, acting vice president for business and management, and Marilyn Coar of the president’s office.

Architectural rendering from early 1990 of a proposed design for the Weinberg Memorial Library by architectural firm Leung Hemmler Camayd. This early design for the Library was altered prior to its construction in 1992.

The turnaround at the intersection of Linden Street and Monroe Avenue from March 1982. Pictured from left to right are the former Galvin Terrace Recreation Complex, former Gunster Memorial Student Center, the base of the University Commons, and St. Thomas Hall.

The DeNaples Center and Dionne Green in 2012. In a 2007 press announcement for the Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Center, the building is described as the most ambitious campus project in the University’s history at approximately 118,000 square feet.