By Becca Falivene Grillot, BA ’10
When students returned to campus in August, Gregory Hall residents found a completely redesigned lower lounge and patio area.
The inspiration for the project grew out of the summer 2024 renovation of Theresa Hall. Hoping for a similar refresh of a men’s dorm, initially the Office of Student Life thought the Gregory Hall project would be done in-house by UDallas staff, as Theresa Hall had been, says Dean of Students Greg Roper, PhD. When the Cor Challenge began, however, an extra challenge fund, donated by Fanny, BA ’88 MBA ’91, and Phil, BA ’90 MBA ’93, Sheumaker, encouraged donors to vote for the allocation of the funds to certain campus improvement projects – including the Gregory Hall lounge.
Though the Gregory Hall project was a popular vote in the challenge, it was the gift of donors Tim Gehan, BA ’82, former Greg Hall resident, and his wife Brandie Gehan that made the magnitude of the project possible. The Gehans, who own and run a home construction business called Union Main, also donated their expertise in the design of the project, overseen by UDallas Executive Director of Facilities and Capital Projects Ben Gibbs, EdD, MBA ’17 BA ’15.
“The Gehans have been fabulously generous with their time and treasure,” said Roper,
“and now Gregory has surpassed Theresa as having the most attractive, the most functional,
and the most fun lounge on campus.”
The floor-to-ceiling renovations include paint, flooring and furniture, as well as all new cabinetry, countertops, backsplash and appliances in the kitchen. The new kitchen area features a pizza oven, panini maker and Keurig machine alongside a large bar-height island for gathering and eating. A brand new ping pong table and up-to-date wide screen smart TV are sure to be fast favorites of the residents.
The striking focal point of the project is a large mural in bright UDallas blue and gold covering the entire main wall and showcasing images of both the Irving and Rome campuses. Any UDallas student will immediately recognize appearances by a Crusader, the Groundhog and the Tower throughout the mural.
The patio project involved new railings, furniture and sun shade and included the addition of a new gas grill for residents to use. Even the laundry room received a refresh of new flooring and paint, continuous with the design in the lounge.
Greg Hall Residence Assistant Joe Teson ’27 was among the first students to use the new space. “They really went above and beyond,” he said. “Everyone that I’ve encountered walking in has been blown away by the creativity and the thought behind the design. We’ve all been really impressed by it all.”
Teson immediately began planning gatherings, including a celebration for the feast day of St. Gregory. The new lounge, he says, “sets Greg apart among the west side halls. It’s going to end up being a space where people come together.”
Photo Credits - Shane and Jessica Steeves with Steeves Home Photos LLC