The Sixties: Expansion
In 1959, as the college entered its twentieth year, the “baby boomers” were beginning their college careers. Caldwell, like many colleges, was faced with an increase in enrollment. The Board of Trustees acknowledged that the growth in student population meant that additional residential and classroom space would be needed. In November 1959, the ground was broken for the addition to Albertus Magnus Science Hall and was ready for use in September 1960. This new wing was called Raymond Hall in honor of Sister Raymond, the first Academic Dean.
Sister M. Raymond Sandiford, O.P. was the first Academic Dean of Caldwell College for Women from 1939 to 1951. During that time she also served as the head of the Romance Languages Department. In 1951, Sister Raymond became the Dean of Women. She held that position until her death in August 1959.
To address the need for growing residential space, construction for a new residence hall was also underway. The groundbreaking took place in May 1960, and the new building welcomed 200 students in September 1961. The dormitory was named Mother Joseph Residence Hall in honor of Caldwell’s foundress. A blessing and dedication ceremony was held for both Raymond Hall and Mother Joseph Residence Hall on October 1, 1961.
The Student Center was the final building to be constructed during the building program of the 1960s. Although it wasn’t built until the late 1960s, the administration had long planned for this building, noting the need for a separate auditorium and cafeteria and investigating similar sites at other colleges. Ground was finally broken in 1967, to the excitement of the campus community. After a series of delays, the Student Center was officially opened in September 1970 and coincided with the inauguration of Sister Anne John O’Laughlin as the college’s fourth president. It included not only the much needed auditorium and cafeteria, but also staff and faculty offices, a student lounge, classrooms, and the facilities for the art and music departments. The music and arts wing of the building was later named the Vincent Visceglia Arts Center. The dedication ceremony took place on October 28, 1979, following the inauguration of Sister Edith Magdalen Visic, O.P. as Caldwell’s fifth president.
