September 8, 2005 Source: University of Toronto:
http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/050908-1610.asp University College opens new residence Morrison Hall, the newest student residence on the University of Toronto's St. George campus, officially opened on today. The residence at 75 St. George St. is named for U of T graduates Russell (MA 1947) and Katherine Morrison (PhD 1979) whose $6-million gift made the project possible.
"Our growing student body has many great buildings in which to live and learn, and the opening of Morrison Hall is part of a truly remarkable period of growth at U of T," said Professor Vivek Goel, acting president and vice president and provost. "The student experience of residence life enhances academic success opportunities for student engagement.. The generosity of Russell and Katherine Morrison and many others has made this possible for thousands of students to for years to come." The first on-campus residence constructed for U of T's University College in almost 50 years, Morrison Hall represents the largest development for the university's founding college since its reconstruction in 1890-92 after a devastating fire. "Katherine and I view our contribution to the new residence as an opportunity for us to make a long-lasting enhancement to student life at UC," said Russell Morrison. Located between the Whitney Hall and Sir Daniel Wilson residences, Morrison Hall provides accommodation for 270 students, the first of whom moved in over the Labour Day weekend. Designed by Zeidler Partnership Architects, the $28 million residence features a 13-storey tower anchored by a three-storey podium and a newly landscaped walkway running east-west between St. George Street and the back campus. The residence features single room accommodations with shared bath facilities and common lounge and study areas on each floor. There are also fully accessible accommodations on each floor. Residents will take their meals in the newly refurbished Howard Ferguson Dining Hall. "Morrison Hall is more than just a new building, it is an expression of the UC commitment to vibrant student life and the sense of community that is so important to those of us who study here," said Kent Buchanan, president of the UC Literary and Athletic Society, one of the oldest student organizations in the country.
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